Suchergebnisse

Good governance is an essentially contested concept. In Asian countries, economic efficiency and macro-economic projects have predominantly been pursued with the aim of promoting national, aggregate measurements of development. Hydroelectric power generation projects have played a central role in the national planning of several regional states as part of an attempt to achieve these goals. Even by their own terms of reference, however, hydroelectric power projects have at most a mixed record of success, and are increasingly criticized with regard to their negative impact on the environment, and upon vulnerable groups. The government of Malaysia has embraced the "developmental state" model, and this is best illustrated by governance initiatives and resource exploitation in the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah and their respective "development corridors". Sarawak's Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) is the most visible sign of Malaysia's macro-economic hydroelectric development focus, as Sabah's corridor focuses on trade, investment, and tourism. This article takes a critical perspective towards good governance, emphasizing that it should function in the interests of all society, but in particular the most vulnerable. It therefore addresses the impact of Malaysian hydroelectric development policies on one of the most vulnerable sections of Malaysian society, the indigenous peoples of Sarawak. The findings cast doubt on the validity of continued prioritization of hydroelectric dam construction as a cornerstone of government energy and development policy. (Contemp Southeast Asia/GIGA)

In this article, we address four common, often contradictory misconceptions concerning Japanese foreign and security policy. First, Japan's strategic "normalization" is dangerous. Second, Japan is incapable of having a "normal" policy. Third, Japan is about to become "normal." Fourth, foreign and security policy under the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) will differ radically from what it was for fifty years under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). We contend that Japan is not a threat; that it has a security policy, but not one that fits well with Western models; and that Japan's security policy is changing, gradually not radically, and is not becoming just like the West's. (Asian Perspec/GIGA)

Chapter 1: Global Governance Principles and UN Implementation -- Chapter 2: A Critical Reflection on the UN Mission's Contributions to Human Security in Cambodia -- Chapter 3: Post-UNTAC UN Peacebuilding and Human Security in Cambodia -- Chapter 4: A Critical Reflection on the UN Mission's Contributions to Human Security in Timor-Leste -- Chapter 5: Post-UNMIT Peacebuilding and Human Security in Timor-Leste -- Chapter 6: Legacies and Futures.

Traditionally, studies on democracy have focused on the orthodox so-called Northern models of democratic governance, and within this framework, the extent to which Southern models are considered democratic. Democracy in the South is the first truly international collaboration that draws attention to the complex problems of democratic consolidation across the majority world. Nine case studies, three each from Africa, Latin America and Asia, shed light on the contemporary challenges faced by democratizing countries, mostly from the perspective of emerging theorists working in their home countrie.

The Politics, Challenges, and Future of un Peacekeeping Contributions from the Asia-Pacific / Boris Kondoch and Brendan Howe 123. - Northeast Asian Perspectives on UN Peacekeeping / Brendan Howe and Boris Kondoch 133. - Southeast Asian Perspectives on un Peacekeeping / Alistair D. B. Cook 154. - Australia and Peacekeeping / Peter Londey 175. - ramsi Ten Years On / Sinclair Dinnen 195 . - All-Japan Approach to International Peace Operations / Yuji Uesugi 214. - Thailand's Participation in un Peacekeeping Missions / Keokam Kraisoraphong and Brendan Howe 236. - Why Contribute? Understanding Asian Motivations for Troop Contribution to Peace Operations / Xenia Avezov 256

This volume highlights unique contributions of Asian middle powers to promoting of peace, development, human security, and democracy in Southeast Asia. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have pursued variations on the normative theme of "new Southern policies," while Thailand is a major subregional actor.

Introduction -- South Korea As a Middle Power in Global Governance: "Punching Above Its Weight" Based on National Assets and Dynamic Trajectory -- Development Effectiveness: Charting South Korea's Role and Contributions -- Nuclear Governance: South Korea's Efforts to Strengthen Regimes and Frameworks for the Safe and Secure Use of Nuclear Energy -- South Korea's Role As Host of the Green Climate Fund: Implications for ROK Contributions to Green Growth -- South Korea As a Middle Power: Global Ambitions and Looming Challenges -- Endnotes -- About the Authors