Regional Security Cooperation Research Articles

TÜRKİYE'S ROLE IN WESTERN BALKANS SECURITY COOPERATION

This article seeks to provide a descriptive analysis of Türkiye’s role in security cooperation in the Western Balkans and the criticisms of Türkiye’s position on this cooperation. In order to achieve this, the article identifies active security cooperation mechanisms in the Western Balkans, analyses Türkiye’s activities in these mechanisms and the security dimension of Türkiye’s bilateral relations with the countries in the region. Furthermore, criticisms of Türkiye’s attitude towards regional security cooperation efforts after 2016 have been put forward and these criticisms have been discussed. As a result, it is understood that Türkiye plays an active role in regional security cooperation, contributes to the security cooperation of the region, and has the potential to support the capacity building of Western Balkan countries in specific areas such as counterterrorism.

The Impact of Cross-Border Interconnectivity on the International Relations Landscape and Response Strategies

With the continuous acceleration of globalization and rapid technological development, cross-border interconnectivity has become an important force shaping the current international relations landscape. This work delves into the influence of cross-border interconnectivity on the construction of new international relations and analyzes in detail its practices and developments in China's relations with neighboring countries. The findings reveal that cross-border interconnectivity not only promotes the strengthening of economic, political, and cultural ties among countries but also drives the diversified and inclusive development of new international relations. However, it is also necessary to confront the numerous challenges posed by cross-border interconnectivity, such as constraints from major powers and cross-border security risks. In order to address these challenges, this work proposes a series of recommendations. First, strengthen political dialogue between countries and enhance trust in China among neighboring countries through open and transparent cooperation mechanisms. Moreover, deepen regional security cooperation, jointly address cross-border security risks, and maintain regional peace and stability. Additionally, make efforts to enhance the governance capacity of neighboring countries to better adapt to the cooperation needs of cross-border interconnectivity. These recommendations not only provide practical guidance for addressing the complexity brought by cross-border interconnectivity but also substantially contribute to promoting global cooperative relations. This work provides an important contribution to the academic community by comprehensively analyzing the multifaceted impact of cross-border interconnectivity on international relations. Simultaneously, this work offers valuable insights for decision-makers and scholars by delving into the practical experiences and challenges faced by China in its interactions with neighboring countries.

Indonesian Strategic Leadership 5.0 Amidst Thucydides Trap (Dynamic System Approach)

The Indo-Pacific region is experiencing quite sharp conflicts. The power rivalry between these two countries also dragged Indonesia into Thucydides' trap because they joined an alliance with the aim of regional cooperation. This research aims to analyze the tendencies and projections of various aspects of the US vs China towards Indonesia in determining strategic leadership decisions 5.0. The method used is a dynamic system using 2018 time series data and projections up to 2050. The variables used by the Loewy Institute are Economic Relations, Defense Network, Diplomatic Influence, Cultural Influence, Economic Capability, Military Capability, Resilience, and Future Resources. The research results show that the model and tendencies of the US vs China rivalry are influenced by several factors. From 2018 to 2050, it is known that the US vs China rivalry shows fluctuating conditions. Novelty in this research includes 8 scenarios from (1) economic relations such as enhancing multilateral diplomacy and dialogue, promoting regional economic and security cooperation, (2)Defense Network such as strengthening economic, political, and security relations, (3)Diplomatic Influence such as diplomatic approach and regional cooperation, (4)Cultural Influence utilizing US cultural influence to strengthen diplomacy and international cooperation, (5)Economic Capability such as Indonesia can be an effective mediator between the US and China, (6)Military Capability such as strategic leadership 5.0 relies on diplomacy and coalitions, (7)Resiliance and (8)Future Resources such as effective mediator and promotes bilateral and multilateral cooperation. In conclusion, the US vs China rivalry will experience fluctuating developments.

NATO’s Southern Flank: The Evolution of Türkiye’s Strategic Role and Its Implications for Regional Security

This article delves into the progressive development of Türkiye's strategic function within NATO, and what it signifies for regional security along the Alliance's Southern Flank. Türkiye, as a crucial NATO member since 1952, has steadfastly assumed a considerable part in the organization's collective defense, thereby bolstering the stability of the region. The article offers a historical review of Türkiye's involvement in NATO, tracking its journey from joining the Alliance during the initial Cold War years to navigating the more intricate security milieu of the post-Cold War era. The focus then shifts to the geopolitical challenges faced by NATO on its Southern Flank, particularly in the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea region. Within this context, the article analyzes Türkiye's evolving strategic role, including its military capabilities and growing defense industry, diplomacy, and soft power initiatives, as well as its efforts to balance relations with NATO, Russia, and other regional actors. The article also explores Türkiye's strategic decision to acquire the Russian S-400 missile defense system, a move that underscores Türkiye's commitment to diversifying its defense capabilities and enhancing its national security, while also navigating the complex dynamics of international alliances and NATO's evolving security landscape. Subsequently, it discusses the possible advantages and hurdles that could arise from Türkiye's dynamic strategic role in regional security and on NATO's Southern Flank. Key topics addressed include the reinforcement of NATO's defense capabilities, the enhancement of regional security cooperation, and potential strains within the Alliance. The piece wraps up with an evaluation of future prospects for Türkiye's strategic function in NATO and the implications for regional security. This underlines the significance of maintaining a united and adaptable NATO that can adeptly respond to the evolving security challenges in the region.

Confidence Building Measures Among East African Community for Strengthening Peace in the Region

The East Africa Community (EAC) comprises various instabilities, including violence, humanitarian crises, environmental issues, and conflicts, both within and between states. In response, these countries have established defense diplomacy, which involves the non-violent utilization of military resources to pursue peace and stability in the area. Their goal is to create a unified force to address common threats that endanger peace and stability within the region. Defense diplomacy encompasses a strategic engagement, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Capacity Building, and the cultivation of international reputation. The fundamental question arises: How can the EAC engage in security cooperation amid the multitude of issues faced within the region? Our article aims to comprehend the implementation of CBMs among member states, focusing on enhancing interoperability within a case study of regional security cooperation aimed at implementing peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Our research employs qualitative analysis using the concept of Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBM) and applies DIME theory to illustrate the process of establishing and strengthening trust among member states in the region. The primary outcome of this study underscores the critical role played by diplomacy and military strategies in resolving peace and security issues in the DRC

Regionalism and the fight against terrorism in southern Africa: reflections on Cabo Delgado in Mozambique

Post-independence Africa has often depicted Southern Africa as a formidable region spared by the calamities of Islamic insurgencies and terrorism. However, unfolding events in the last five years have demonstrated the limitation of SADC to terrorism exceptionalism. A combination of relatively weak states perpetuating poor regionalism, ethnic and religious diversity, poverty and the existence of the ‘ungoverned space’ are possible explanations in making the region a suitable habitat for insurgency groups. The recent invasion by terrorists of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique has been a critical cause for concern for the stability of the region. The military intervention of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and Rwanda presents an opportunity for academics to explore regional prospects for peace and security. This paper uses insights gained from a qualitative study on terrorism, counterterrorism and regionalism to investigate the concept of regional security cooperation in the SADC region and the authenticity of institutional responses in Northern Mozambique. The study concludes that the launch of the SAMIM, despite several obstacles, represents a step in the right direction. More so, creating durable security institutions is the starting point towards realising meaningful regional security cooperation, which guarantees feasible regional economic integration.

Defense Diplomacy Indonesia - United Arab Emirates Through Confidence Building Measures

This research paper explores the defense diplomacy efforts between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through confidence-building measures (CBMs) as a strategic step to strengthen bilateral relations and increase trust between the two countries. The paper begins by discussing the historical context and the importance of defense diplomacy in the post-World War II era. It then examines the concept of defense strategy and its evolution beyond military operations. The role of diplomacy, particularly soft power diplomacy, is highlighted as an essential tool in international relations. The paper further delves into the concept of defense diplomacy, its peaceful use of armed forces, and its significance in addressing security challenges and building trust among countries. The focus is on the defense diplomacy efforts between Indonesia and the UAE and their impact on regional defense and security cooperation. The researchers employ a qualitative descriptive approach and a case study design to analyze the defense industry and defense cooperation efforts within the perspective of defense diplomacy. The results and discussions section presents an analysis of Indonesia's defense strategy, highlighting the objectives, means, and approaches employed in defense diplomacy with the UAE. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of defense diplomacy in enhancing bilateral relations, promoting regional stability, and leveraging the strengths and resources of both countries in the defense industry.

Protection for Hire: Cooperation through Regional Organizations

Abstract There is growing evidence that leaders cooperate through regional intergovernmental organizations (RIOs) to address domestic security challenges. What sustains this collaboration? I present a theory of regional cooperation driven by mutual interest in stability and protection for heads of state. RIOs support the development of rules and norms around contributing to regional security and can legitimize pro-government military interventions. Leaders concerned that they may need external support—particularly against members of their own military—cooperate to remain in good standing with co-members. Using original security personnel deployment data for members of four Africa-based RIOs with mutual defense pacts between 1990 and 2017, I show that leaders facing higher coup risk were more likely to deploy personnel to support co-members. I also find evidence for the underlying mechanism—that these leaders contribute because they expect RIO members to reciprocate support in the future. Leaders who contributed more personnel to support co-members, and leaders who contributed more often, were more likely to receive military support from co-members in the future. These findings shed light on the dynamics sustaining regional security cooperation.

Movement Control Order (MCO) - A Viable Legal Mechanism in the Management of COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia?

COVID-19 has caused a global health disaster accompanied by economic and social unpredictability. This study evaluates the legislative measures implemented in Malaysia throughout Phases 1 through 7 of the Movement Control Order in an effort to battle the pandemic and stem its spread. The narrative review applies a socio-legal analysis with reference to primary sources, including Malaysian legal documents and legislation. Findings suggest that the law complements other preventive efforts implemented by the government to break the chain of virus transmission, especially the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act of 1988. This study illustrates that the public interest must trump individual rights in order to not only respond to this crisis, but also recover and prosper in the fight against the pandemic. In addition, it is recommended that enforcing a clearer set of international MCO laws within regional security cooperation will contribute to the development of a stronger global community with a shared future, as well as promote international law and neighborhood diplomacy.

The deterioration of South America’s security architecture: from cooperation to coexistence?

While South America made significant strides in regional security cooperation since the 1990s, more recently the region seems to have entered a process of backsliding from its cooperative achievements and towards mere coexistence. This article proposes that an English School approach allows for a nuanced assessment of regional security cooperation. It contributes to the analysis of regional international societies and regional organisations as markers of fundamental institutional change. While scholars have studied how regional organisations shape the fundamental institutions of regional international societies as they emerge and evolve, little research has been done on whether a decline in regional organisations can lead to changes in the fundamental institutions of regional international societies. Using a set of indicators for coexistence and cooperative international societies, we analyse whether there is evidence of backsliding from cooperation to coexistence in South America with regard to three different types of security challenges: interstate conflict and militarisation; inter-mestic repercussions of internal conflict and violence; and extra-regional influences. We argue that a decline in regional organisations exacerbates those challenges, as they are no longer mitigated through institutionalised diplomatic procedures. However, despite the organisational decline, fundamental institutions in South America have so far proven relatively resilient.

Emerging security challenges on the island of Borneo

The trinational island of Borneo is facing several new challenges, including the planned construction of Indonesia’s new capital city, political tensions between Malaysia’s federal government and its states of Sabah and Sarawak and economic concerns in Brunei. While some multilateral platforms for regional and sub-regional security cooperation exist, none focuses on pan-Borneo security challenges, which will probably become more pressing during the current decade.

Regional Security Network in South Asia: A Prescriptive Approach to Addressing Diverse Security Threats

The precarious nature of the evolving global security order and the emergence of associated new buzzwords both in academia and policy circles clearly suggest that the international security environment has changed substantially. Regional and global security hazards have further diluted security situation around the world. States have taken a number of measures to cope with security challenges and strategic uncertainties, with largely unsatisfactory outcomes. In our view, a better alternative to traditional way of ensuring security is to develop regional security networks (RSN) among nations of a specific geographic region. RSN is based on the idea that there are various security challenges that cannot effectively be met without regional collaboration and coordination. The idea of RSN calls for, among other things, creating a collaborative platform for information sharing, joint training, and coordinated response mechanisms to address security threats in South Asia. Prescriptive in character, this article provides a strategic roadmap for policymakers to strengthen regional security cooperation and foster stability and peace in South Asia by establishing a robust RSN.

The Core Content and Practical Approach of China’s Global Security Initiative

This research paper provides an overview of China’s Global Security Initiative, its essential components, and its practical implementation. Firstly, the paper highlights the significance of the Global Security Initiative in the broader context of China’s global security policy. It then outlines the core elements of the Global Security Initiative, which include promoting security cooperation, establishing a global security framework, and enhancing comprehensive security measures. Secondly, the author explores the practical approach of the Global Security Initiative, which emphasizes cooperation between states, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. The author also describes the implementation of the Global Security Initiative, such as the establishment of the Global Security Initiative Working Group and its role in regional security cooperation. Furthermore, the author discusses how the Global Security Initiative fits into the Belt and Road Initiative. Lastly, the paper addresses the challenges posed by the Global Security Initiative, including the need for greater transparency and the establishment of an effective governance system. By offering insights into the Global Security Initiative and its implications for global security, the author provides valuable information on this topic. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Global Security Initiative, its core components, practical approach, implementation, and challenges, making it an informative read for anyone interested in China’s global security policy.

GREATER EURASIA PARTNERSHIP: DOMESTIC AND REGIONAL ELEMENTS OF FOREIGN POLICY CONVERGENCE

China-Russia strategic partnership has evolved into a new stage where the two great powers share increasing overlapping and complementary interests. The Greater Eurasia Partnership (GEP) framework offers an integrated approach to conducting their relations by deepening collaborative partnerships through regional development and security cooperation. This article aims to analyze evolving nature of the GEP by focusing on domestic and regional elements of foreign policy convergence. Although connecting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to the GEP illustrates the domestic level of convergence in their foreign policies, the regional context reflects a partial convergence that entails further policy coordination in managing potential risks and challenges, particularly in Central Asia and more broadly in Eurasia. In examining the evolving nature of GEP, the international political economy perspective is applied to foreign policy analysis with a particular focus on the development-security nexus. The article concludes with a discussion of the main drivers and future trajectory of the GEP with regard to regional and global stability.

The positive peace in the Southern Cone: origins and heyday of regional security cooperation (1991—2008)

The basis of the positive zone of peace in the Southern Cone lies both on the expectation of the non-existence of interstate violence, and the construction of a loose regional institutionalization based on a democratic identity, the development of economic integration and regional security cooperation that projects stability beyond the Southern Cone. Despite economic tensions, political differences and international agendas with different orientations, the peaceful regional environment of the southern tip of the American continent and security and defense cooperation flourished during the first two decades of the post-Cold War era. This article presents the trajectory from the end of the Cold War to the establishment of UNASUR of regional security cooperation in the Southern Cone focusing on two dyads, the bilateral relations of the Argentine Republic with both the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Chile.

Resiliency to Vulnerabilities and Violence in the Caribbean

On September 8, 2022, Dr. W. Andy Knight, a distinguished professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta, presented on Resiliency to Vulnerabilities and Violence in the Caribbean. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives that delved into discussions on important dimensions currently affecting the Caribbean, such as transitioning from independent state-based security to regional security cooperation; developing financial stability amongst Caribbean nations; and promoting inclusiveness of Caribbean Canadians, along with an understanding of the diversity and needs of the population within the Caribbean.

Regional (continental) security: emphases of 2022

The intensification of the processes of globalization, regionalization, geopoliticization and the desire of countries to integrate into the world financial, economic and social-political space lead to the emergence of new challenges and dangers and intensification of existing ones in the field of regional political and security cooperation. The strengthening of military activity on the territory of sovereign countries, the lack of a peaceful settlement of regional conflict situations, and the growth of tension and instability require regional cooperation in the fight against common threats on the basis of ensuring the implementation of the principles of international law. Regarding the results of the research on the features of ensuring regional (continental) security under the influence of challenges and threats in 2022, it has been established that there are four groups from among the countries of the world that are characterized by common features of ensuring regional (continental) security, namely: highly developed countries that are able to ensure a high level of security, the efficiency of its management and the stability of state governance; countries with a relatively high level of development that ensure high standards of regional (continental) security, however, significant efforts are directed to solving security issues; countries with an intermediate level of development that are significantly influenced by other countries and are in a state of struggle for the redistribution of spheres of influence; countries with a low level of development that have not completed the process of transformational restructuring and require strengthened measures in order to ensure regional (continental) security.

Asean Regionalism towards Food Security

ASEAN member states (AMS) are aware that food security is a national issue and should be prioritised. AMS also acknowledged those local efforts are insufficient to face achieve food security. AMS recognize the importance of regional cooperation to achieve food security. ASEAN has come up with several regional initiatives to ensure food security in the region such as AIFS, APTERR and AFSIS. Despite the initiatives there are challenges that impede regional food security cooperation for instance, ASEAN dependency on food imports, non-tariff barriers, and the readiness to adopt advance technology in agriculture and food producing industry. There are many ways to improve regional food security cooperation such as increasing public private partnership and increase investment for research and development. Other than that, ASEAN needs to Standardise the mechanisms and regulatory frameworks at regional level as it will ease and promote trade. Besides, ASEAN also needs to improve, expand the existing food security cooperation mechanism. Regional food security cooperation would optimise ASEAN potential as the world’s food basket.

Regional Security Perspectives in South Asia: Indo-Pakistan Rivalry

Inter-state and intra-state conflicts emerged with political, social, and economic factors which increasingly contributed to security dilemmas at global and regional levels. This study investigates the regional security issues which have emerged through the Indo-Pakistani conflict in South Asia. In order to obtain the data for this study, secondary qualitative data and information based on an archival research methodology were used. Books, journal articles, research papers, official websites, and e-Newspapers were incorporated into this archival research. According to this study, the first and second Kashmir wars, the 1971 conflict, the Kargil conflict, the attack on the Indian Parliament, the 2002 Military Standoff, the Mumbai Terror attack, and the Surgical Strikes carried out by India have all contributed to the gradual development of the Indo-Pakistan war, which has led to current concerns about regional security. Interstate strife and tension, hostility between nations, mutual mistrust and animosity posed by terrorism, religious extremism, nuclearization, and economic and political instability have all intensified due to security concerns posed by the Indo-Pakistan rivalry. Finally, as an effort to address these security issues related to the Indo-Pakistani wars, this study has proposed the establishment of a ‘South Asian Regional Security Cooperation’. This proposed Cooperation will be treated under four basic regional security corporation models: alliances, collective security, security regimes, and security communities to reinforce regional security in South Asia.

Regional security cooperation against hegemonic threats: Theory and evidence from France and West Germany (1945–65)

AbstractWhy do some regional powers collectively threatened by a potential hegemon eagerly cooperate to ensure their security, while others appear reluctant to do so? I argue that robust security cooperation at the regional level is less likely when an unbalanced distribution of power exists between the prospective security partners. In such situations, regional security cooperation tends to be stunted by foot-dragging and obstructionism on the part of materially inferior states wary of facilitating the strategic expansion of neighbours with larger endowments of power resources, anticipating that much of the coalition's gains in military capabilities are likely to be achieved through an expansion of the materially superior neighbour's force levels and strategic flexibility. Evidence drawn from primary material and the latest historiography of France's postwar foreign policy towards West Germany provides considerable support for this argument. My findings offer important correctives to standard accounts of the origins of Western European security cooperation and suggest the need to rethink the difficulties the United States has encountered in promoting cooperation among local allies in key global regions.