This study of the United Nations in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific evaluates the organization's role and performance in Cambodia and over refugees; regarding human rights, development, environment and the needs of women; within regional cooperation; and as an instrument of state policy. These cases illustrate how multilateral conduct through the United nations provides a barometer indicating the intensity with which policy initiatives and values are sustained by relevant governmental interests alike. In the regional settings considered, conduct towards and within the UN has amplified unresolved value differences regarding relations with major powers, sustainability, and national identity.

This study of the United Nations in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific evaluates the organization's role and performance in Cambodia, with regard to human rights, development, the environment and the needs of women. These cases illustrate how multilateral conduct through the United Nations provides a barometer indicating the intensity with which policy initiatives and values are sustained by relevant governmental interests alike. In the regional settings considered, conduct towards and within the UN has amplified unresolved value differences regarding relations with major powers, sustainability, and national identity.

This book focuses on South-East Asian and Pacific regions richly endowed with natural resources in international demand to examine patterns of extraction and use and analyse subsequent conflicts. Attempting to find ways of preventing such conflicts, the study addresses the role of the state and its development policies, militarization, the impact of the world economic crises, the role of modern science and technology, human rights, and cultural survival. Reviewing the strategies employed by the various countries to maintain their access to marine and land-based natural resources, the book also suggests alternatives for resolving the conflicts at local, national, and international levels.

Former Australian Prime Minister Whitlam provides an Australian perspective on the roles that the United States, Japan, Australia, and others can play with respect to the resources, trade, and politics of the East Asia-Western Pacific Region. Based on a series of lectures delivered under the auspices of the Council on East Asian Studies, Harvard University, in 1979.

There are six chapters examining the strategic and economic policies of the major external powers towards Southeast Asia and two more focusing on the still unresolved conflict in Cambodia and on the continuing disputes over the ownership of the Spratly Islands. The conclusion assesses the relevance of Southeast Asian experience in the 'New World Order' to the ongoing theoretical debates about democracy, the market, the state and multilateralism.

Considers future U.S. policy towards Asia and reviews U.S. relations with Japan and other Asian nations. Focuses on prospects for regional, economic, political, and security arrangements among countries of Asia.