The dynamics of regional security cooperation : balance of power and regional security cooperation development in Asia and Europe

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This research attempts to analyze the development of a multilateral security framework by focusing balance of power in the cooperation. The researcher argues that the main reason behind the difference between European and Asian security frameworks due to unresolved balance of power among regional nations. Furthermore, the researcher argues that outside power’s participation plays a key role as neutralizing the balance of power politics within the region and that of the nations under the new security environment. Therefore, the nations will seek benefits through cooperation. This research explains the dynamics and differences in the development of regional security framework within the West European and South East Asian theaters. Under U.S. Security umbrella, European countries took a step forward and established a multilateral security framework by solving the German problem. This action subsequently turned the war-torn environment of Europe into a haven of cooperation among countries. On the contrary, the aspiration of South East Asian nations to secure their environment remains being one of the top priorities although they were under outside powers’ security guarantees through bilateral and multilateral alliances. Hence, the countries decided to establish the Association of South East Asia Nations for taking united actions in terms of security. However, the South East Asian initiative was not successful due to thin trust among members. Thus, ASEAN members could not take steps for tighter security cooperation. All the cases helped the research in proving the assumption that balance of power is the key factor in development of regional security cooperation.