Can Economic Interdependence and Cooperation Mitigate Security Concerns in East Asia?

Rapidly growing economic interdependence is a significant factor in East Asian security. Aided by regional free trade agreements and multilateral frameworks, East Asian interdependence is now qualitatively different, with FDI playing a critical role even as the region enmeshes itself in the production value chain. Hence, a conflict seems unlikely because of high costs. The causal relationship between domestic stability and economic development, between growing prosperity and democracy, and democracy and peace are evident. Undoubtedly, a major deterrent for China in undertaking military adventures is its critical economic ties with the rest of the region. Since East Asia is still grappling for a stable order, it is necessary to create and strengthen robust region-wide institutions while building a regional balance of power. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.