U.S. Strategy and Southeast Asian Security: Issues of Compatibility

Abstract

An essentially benign regional security environment in Southeast Asia for the 1990s, in addition to U.S. economic woes, is leading to a significant reduction of forward-deployed American air and naval forces in the region. An important implication of this draw down has been the acceleration of indigenous defence build-ups among all the ASEAN states designed not only to protect national territories but also to project forces into disputed areas such as the South China Sea. Disputes among ASEAN members place Washington in an uncom/ortable position, one in which the United States will refrain from supporting any contender. There/ore, the stability potentially contributed by even a reduced U.S. presence may be less than expected. A Southeast Asia military balance for the 1990s will depend on the region's own capabilities and organizational will.