Suchergebnisse

Maritime security is a major concern in the Asia Pacific, yet isriddled with highly complex "wicked problems" that have thus fardefied solution. These include different interpretations of the Law ofthe Sea underpinning regional maritime security, the lack of goodorder at sea, numerous conflicting claims to maritime jurisdiction, theimplications of increased naval activity in the region and the lackof agreed maritime boundaries. This article identifies major wickedproblems and reflects on the likelihood that they will be successfullyaddressed in regional forums. It finds some optimistic indicationsof a greater preparedness to address these issues than has been thecase in the past. However, much will depend on whether existingmindsets can change to allow regional countries to corporate moreeffectively with regards to maritime security. The article concludeswith the proposal that an Asian Peace Research Institute shouldbe established to promote more independent thinking and greatercooperation. (Contemp Southeast Asia/GIGA)

The United Nations' and United States' responses to the events of 11 September and to Iraq reveal lessons and dilemmas for both. After a decade of having its legitimacy tested and undermined, the Organisation is at a crossroads. The possible directions it can take are deeply influenced by US actions. For Washington, its use of the UN in the immediate aftermath of 11 September and its return to the Organisation for help with post-war Iraq reveal an approach that continues a tradition of mixed messages at the UN. It is essential to facilitate this tactical multilateralism - a recognition of the importance of UN legitimacy and support to US interests -even though that recognition may constrain US actions and choices. (Survival / SWP)

El objetivo del presente análisis es revisar la evolución que tuvo el llamado complejo militar- burocrático-industrial soviético y el desarrollo que ha tenido, en la posguerra fría, el complejo militar-industrial ruso, así como los desafíos que enfrenta este último de cara al siglo xxi. Existen grandes diferencias entre uno y otro. El primero se comportó conforme a consideraciones estratégicas estrechamente relacionadas con el entorno bipolar y la premisa de la suma- cero. El segundo, en cambio, opera sobre todo a partir de criterios estrictamente comerciales, donde la supervivencia hace a un lado los riesgos que entraña la venta indiscriminada de pertrechos militares a países cuya conducta, en las relaciones internacionales, no es del todo predecible. Con todo, Rusia está recuperando rápidamente una posición preponderante en el comercio internacional de armamento, y su principal rival en esta empresa es Estados Unidos, el beneficiario más importante del colapso soviético en términos del abastecimiento de sistemas de armas a los principales consumidores y clientes de la ex URSS.