Security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: non-traditional security as a catalyst

Abstract

This article details the importance of non-traditional security (NTS) issues as catalysts for the development and expansion of regional security architectures across the Indo- Pacific. The trans-boundary and non-military character of NTS issues, such as natural disasters and pandemic disease, have compelled states across the region to seek deeper and more substantial levels of security integration. NTS issues have pushed existing security structures west into the Indian Ocean and initiated the development of newer defence-based regional forums. New cooperative structures include large multi-lateral groupings such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting as well as bi-lateral agreements between ASEAN and other countries in the Indo-Pacific. Largely based on NTS issues, these venues firmly stretch ASEAN-based coordination across the Indo-Pacific and demonstrate an unprecedented move towards cooperative security. NTS issues provide important opportunities and incentives for security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and should be perceived as valuable first steps toward more coherent and integrated Indo-Pacific security architectures.