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Abstract
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After the Cold War most of the major powers in world politics reduced their military expenditures by at least 30%. This is the peace dividend. However, some places in the world became more dangerous and this is reflected by an increase in violent conflicts occurring in the developing nations and in part of eastern Europe. In this post-Cold War era, the world is divided into zones of peace and zones of conflict.
Paradoxically, East Asia is a zone of neither peace nor conflict; instead it is becoming an area of potential danger because most of the states in this region are spending a great deal of money on their national defense.
This paper provides empirical data on this arms buildup and tries to find the patterns and the causes. The military spending and arms buildup data for most East Asian countries shows that their armed forces are becoming “leaner but meaner”; numbers of troops are decreasing while budgets are going up and equipment is becoming better, especially naval arms.
Most of the East Asian countries feel insecure in this post-Cold War era. The American presence in the region is declining significantly, the prospects for continuing economic development look uncertain, and there are not yet any viable international institutions for international peace. Although there are several ideas about how to solve this problem, the continued presence and commitment of the US can be regarded as the most plausible. |