In addition to convening its annual Asia Security Conference, styled ‘The Shangri-La Dialogue’, the IISS runs a busy programme focused specifically on Northeast Asia. The variety and magnitude of the strategic dangers and dilemmas emanating from Northeast Asia are formidable. The region is replete with historical animosities and unsettled legacies of the Second World War, the Chinese Civil War, the Korean War and the Cold War. Power balances within the region are in state of flux. There are strong US-centric bilateral defence alliances and security agreements, but no formal overarching multilateral security institutions to inspire confidence or consensus.
The region is a locus for the proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. Buoyed by regional economic advances, defence expenditure stands at a high level and military modernisation remains a priority for most governments. In two instances - the Taiwan Strait and the Korean Peninsula - military forces are explicitly ranged against each other, providing flashpoints where the United States might be sucked into war.
The region’s sheer complexity and dynamism continue to stimulate strong demand both for policy-relevant analysis and forums in which security and defence matters can be debated in a timely way. The Institute’s East Asia programme is directed by Adam Ward Editor, Strategic Comments. It has three main points of focus: the Korean Peninsula; China; and Japan. Informing all of these research strands is consideration of the policy of the United States towards East Asia and the Pacific.
For further information on the IISS Northeast Asia Programme, please contact Adam Ward.
Recent IISS publications on Northeast Asia include:
Adelphi Papers
Survival
Strategic Survey
Strategic Comments
