Developing the Mekong

Regionalism and Regional Security in China–Southeast Asian Relations

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Security, History, Military, Strategy
Cover of the book Developing the Mekong by Evelyn Goh, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Evelyn Goh ISBN: 9781134974962
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Evelyn Goh
ISBN: 9781134974962
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In Southeast Asia, China’s growing economic and political strength has been accompanied by adept diplomacy and active promotion of regional cooperation, institutions and integration. Southeast Asian states and China engage in ‘strategic regionalism’: they seek regional membership for regime legitimation and collective bargaining; and regional integration to enhance economic development, regarded as essential for ensuring national and regime security. Sino-Southeast Asian regionalism is exemplified by the development plans for the Mekong River basin, where ambitious projects for building regional infrastructural linkages and trade contribute to mediating the security concerns of the Mekong countries. However, Mekong regionalism also generates new insecurities. Developing the resources of the Mekong has led to serious challenges in terms of governance, distribution and economic externalities. Resource-allocation and exploitation conflicts occur most obviously within the realm of water projects, especially hydropower development programmes. While such disputes are not likely to erupt into armed conflict because of the power asymmetry between China and the lower Mekong states, they exacerbate Southeast Asian concerns about China’s rise and undermine Chinese rhetoric about peaceful development. But the negative security consequences of developing the Mekong are also due to the shared economic imperative, and the Southeast Asian states’ own difficulties with collective action due to existing intramural conflicts.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Southeast Asia, China’s growing economic and political strength has been accompanied by adept diplomacy and active promotion of regional cooperation, institutions and integration. Southeast Asian states and China engage in ‘strategic regionalism’: they seek regional membership for regime legitimation and collective bargaining; and regional integration to enhance economic development, regarded as essential for ensuring national and regime security. Sino-Southeast Asian regionalism is exemplified by the development plans for the Mekong River basin, where ambitious projects for building regional infrastructural linkages and trade contribute to mediating the security concerns of the Mekong countries. However, Mekong regionalism also generates new insecurities. Developing the resources of the Mekong has led to serious challenges in terms of governance, distribution and economic externalities. Resource-allocation and exploitation conflicts occur most obviously within the realm of water projects, especially hydropower development programmes. While such disputes are not likely to erupt into armed conflict because of the power asymmetry between China and the lower Mekong states, they exacerbate Southeast Asian concerns about China’s rise and undermine Chinese rhetoric about peaceful development. But the negative security consequences of developing the Mekong are also due to the shared economic imperative, and the Southeast Asian states’ own difficulties with collective action due to existing intramural conflicts.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Behavior, Technology, and Organizational Development by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book French Banking and Entrepreneurialism in China and Hong Kong by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book The Leader's Guide to Working with Underperforming Teachers by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book Cybertypes by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book Transforming Pakistan by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book An Outline of Philosophy by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book Degrees of Freedom by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book The Order of the Solar Temple by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book Teaching Criminology at the Intersection by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book The United States and NATO since 9/11 by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book The European Union After the Crisis by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book Conservatism Revisited by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book Measuring Livelihoods and Environmental Dependence by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book Everyday SEL in Early Childhood by Evelyn Goh
Cover of the book The Development of the American Public Accounting Profession by Evelyn Goh
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy