Synopsis The contemporary strategic context is increasingly defined by the rapid growth of major Asian economies and the rapidly increasing interest the major powers are evincing in the region. It has also resulted in a perceptible shift in power to the Asian continent. An assessment of how each of the major Asian powers and important external actors are responding to these developments is necessary for understanding the underlying concerns about peace and security in Asia in the 21st Century. What is the character of the emerging strategic context in Asia? How are the processes of globalisation, economic interdependence and diffusion of technologies shaping the Asian strategic context? What does the 'Rise of Asia' mean for global peace? How do regional perspectives inform the debate? What are the common threats and challenges? What are the prospects of fostering cooperative state behaviour in confronting the transnational threats? These are some of the issues that expert contributors discuss in this volume.