The Prospects For Australian And Japanese Security Cooperation In A More Uncertain Asia-Pacific

This paper reviews the prospect for the establishment of a robust multilateral security mechanism in the Asia-Pacific. It considers two types of security mechanisms: one broadly inclusive and one based on existing bilateral alliances with the United States. The paper makes the assessment that neither form of multilateral security mechanism in the Asia-Pacific is likely at this time. In the absence of a multilateral institution, the paper examines security interests that are shared by Australia and Japan, and the contribution that they, working together, can make to regional peace and stability. It finds that closer security cooperation between Australia and Japan, particularly in the area of peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, has the potential to contribute more to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region than either nation might achieve in isolation. Finally, the paper reviews practical ways that Japan and Australia can work together to achieve this aim.