"Shared interests in peaceful development provide the foundation for building security communities. The process involves developing mutual trust through both dialogue and action. Dialogue provides the basis for understanding. Action demands a deeper level of cooperation. Participation clarifies the shared interests and builds confidence in the intentions among states involved. Shared success makes the process self-reinforcing."

Asia-Pacific Defense FORUM - Spring 2000

The author, Adm. Dennis C. Blair, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command, addresses a multinational audience of Asia-Pacific military leaders in Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo by TSgt. Miguel Espinoza, USAF

The end of the Cold War affected security relations in the Asia-Pacific region less than in Europe, but it nonetheless provided a significant change in the regional security environment. This, combined with two decades of rapid economic growth in China, economic booms and busts across the rest of Asia and the coming to power of new generations with no personal experience in the wars of revolution and independence, has led states to review the foundations for their security.