Negotiating Governance on Non-Traditional Security in Southeast Asia and Beyond

The world faces non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, migration, and natural disasters that surpass states' capacity to address them. This has led to the proliferation of other actors, such as regional and international organizations, transnational networks, and local and international nongovernmental organizations, that fill the gaps when states' responses are lacking and provide security in places where there is none. Mely Caballero-Anthony examines how non-traditional security challenges have changed state behavior and security practices in Southeast Asia and the wider East Asia region, and how non-state actors are taking on the roles of "security governors" to address these problems. She argues that state-plus governance is necessary to meet future global challenges.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The threats the world currently faces extend beyond traditional problems such as major power competition, interstate conflict, and nuclear proliferation. Non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, migration, and natural disasters surpass states' capacity to address them. These limitations have led to the proliferation of other actors—regional and international organizations, transnational networks, local and international nongovernmental organizations—that fill the gaps when states' responses are lacking and provide security in places where there is none.

In this book, Mely Caballero-Anthony examines how non-traditional security challenges have changed state behavior and security practices in Southeast Asia and the wider East Asia region. Referencing the wide range of transborder security threats confronting Asia today, she analyzes how non-state actors are taking on the roles of "security governors," engaging with states, regional organizations, and institutional frameworks to address multifaceted problems. From controlling the spread of pandemics and transboundary pollution, to managing irregular migration and providing relief and assistance during humanitarian crises, Caballero-Anthony explains how and why non-state actors have become crucial across multiple levels—local, national, and regional—and how they are challenging regional norms and reshaping security governance. Combining theoretical discussions on securitization and governance with a detailed and policy-oriented analysis of important recent developments, Negotiating Governance on Non-Traditional Security in Southeast Asia and Beyond points us toward "state-plus" governance, where a multiplicity of actors form the building blocks for multilateral cooperative security processes to meet future challenges.

Non-traditional security challenges have become increasingly significant in Southeast Asia and the wider East Asia region, presenting complex and multifaceted threats to regional stability and security. These challenges include climate change, migration, and natural disasters, which surpass the capacity of individual states to address them effectively. As a result, non-state actors have emerged as crucial players in addressing these challenges, taking on the roles of "security governors" and engaging with states, regional organizations, and institutional frameworks to find solutions.

One of the key ways in which non-state actors are contributing to security governance in Southeast Asia and the wider East Asia region is through their involvement in managing transboundary security threats. Climate change, for example, is a transboundary issue that requires collaborative efforts from multiple countries and international organizations. Non-state actors, such as environmental organizations and research institutes, play a vital role in raising awareness about climate change and its impacts on security, as well as in advocating for policies and measures to address it. They also provide technical expertise and resources to support countries in implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Migration is another non-traditional security challenge that requires a multilateral approach. Non-state actors, such as refugee organizations and human rights groups, play a critical role in providing assistance and protection to migrants, particularly those who are vulnerable and at risk of exploitation. They also advocate for policies and measures that promote safe and legal migration, as well as address the root causes of migration, such as conflict and poverty.

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis, also pose significant threats to regional security. Non-state actors, such as disaster relief organizations and volunteer groups, play a vital role in providing immediate assistance and relief to affected communities. They also work to build resilience and capacity in communities to better prepare for and respond to future disasters.

In addition to managing transboundary security threats, non-state actors are also challenging regional norms and reshaping security governance in Southeast Asia and the wider East Asia region. For example, they are advocating for greater inclusivity and participation in security decision-making processes, particularly by marginalized communities and women. They are also promoting alternative security paradigms, such as human security and peacebuilding, that prioritize the well-being and dignity of individuals and communities.

Despite the significant contributions of non-state actors to security governance in Southeast Asia and the wider East Asia region, there are also challenges and limitations to their involvement. One of the main challenges is the lack of institutionalization and coordination among non-state actors, which can make it difficult to achieve a unified and effective response to security challenges. Another challenge is the potential for non-state actors to be influenced by political or economic interests, which can undermine their commitment to promoting security and stability.

To address these challenges and maximize the contributions of non-state actors to security governance, there is a need for greater cooperation and coordination among states, regional organizations, and non-state actors. This can involve the establishment of mechanisms for dialogue and information sharing, as well as the development of common policies and standards for addressing non-traditional security challenges.

In conclusion, non-traditional security challenges have become increasingly significant in Southeast Asia and the wider East Asia region, presenting complex and multifaceted threats to regional stability and security. Non-state actors have emerged as crucial players in addressing these challenges, taking on the roles of "security governors" and engaging with states, regional organizations, and institutional frameworks to find solutions. While there are challenges and limitations to their involvement, there is also a need for greater cooperation and coordination among states, regional organizations, and non-state actors to maximize their contributions to security governance. By working together, we can build a more secure and resilient region that is able to address the challenges of the 21st century.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231183000