International Relations look at the instruction Essay

International Relations look at the instruction - Essay Example In such a situation, the existence of US forces serves to be a balance of power in the region. This paper peeps into these aspects and also highlights the importance of multilateral arrangements for the promotion of security in the region. There has been an ever-increasing international concern, particularly on the part of the United States, regarding the state of security in the Asia Pacific region. United States has had vested interests in military deployment during the Cold War as to the influence of Russia in the region. After the Cold War, the American military existence and its continuity in the East Asian countries happens to be a debatable issue, owing to the perceived future friction among the states. Ball (1994, p87) states that, "one of the unfortunate consequences of the end of the Cold War is the likely increase in regional conflict". The existence and influence of US military forces in the Asia Pacific region acts as a buffer to protect the region from any possible contravention arising among the powerful states such as China, Japan etc. After the end of the Cold War, uncertainty concerning the state of regional security happens to be a constant factor. Many countries in the region comprehend the military power and influence of other countries as threatening to their national interests, hence creating a lack of cooperation among the states for regional peace. The most important element in this case happens to be the unprecedented growth of China as the regional power and rising concerns of East Asian countries regarding their national security. Several Asian Pacific countries have remained in alliance with the United States so as to curtail the political and military threats posed by China. Pablo-Baviera (2003, p343) elaborates that, "for Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, and even Singapore, alliances are seen as part of a hedging strategy in the event that the trajectory of China's development results in it becoming aggressive towards neighbors". This indicates a heightening sense of insecurity in the region concerning the possible consequences of aggression on the part of China towards these countries. In turn, these countries regard their alliance with the US forces as significant for the regional balance of power. Pablo-Baviera (2003, p343) also exposits that, "South Korea appears to be an exception in terms of perceptions of a China threat. The main role of its alliance with the United States is perceived as preventing aggression by North Korea against itself". The major challenge seen by South Korea encompasses the possibility of any action on the part of North Korea to despoil its national sovereignty. North Korea has, in essence, remained detached from the wave of cooperation in the region. Furthermore, the country's passion towards the expansion of its nuclear program causes profound terror to its neighboring countries. Cossa and Khanna (1997, p232) says that, "the isolation of North Korea and its hostility towards the South is one of the uncertain question facing regional relations". This contributes significantly to the regional instability by disengaging countries from collaborating with each other. With respect to North Korean nuclear progression, United States shares the same concern s on security issues, as this goes against the country's own national interests as well. This element