Military Modernization and Arms-Racing in the Asia-Pacific

Abstract

Exploring this debate, this chapter is divided into three sections. The first examines three major controversies surrounding the concept of an "arms race" centering on the definition of this concept, as well as the causes and consequences of arms races. The second section provides the reader with some general background on the military programs being undertaken by several governments and their armed forces (those of the United States, China, Japan, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia) in the Asia- Pacific. The third section then draws together the first two sections, providing an overview of the debate over whether there is an arms race unfolding in the Asia- Pacific, and highlighting the reasons why scholars and analysts have produced such different answers in response to this question. As well as acknowledging that there remains much room for debate about whether contemporary regional military developments should be classed as an arms race, the chapter concludes by exploring the ramifications of these developments for those interested in Asia-Pacific security, whether as scholars or as policymakers.