WAR AND PUNISHMENT THE IMPLICATION OF ARMS PURCHASES IN MARITIME SOUTHEAST-ASIA

While there is no arms race currently underway in Southeast Asia, ther e should still be concern for the effects of a regional arms buildup. No state currently possesses, or is seeking to possess, the capabiliti es necessary to dominate the core territory of its potential adversari es. However, the types of weapons being procured favour punishment bas ed strategies that are highly unstable and war-prone. Geographic vulne rability to blockade and interdiction make Southeast Asia's security d ilemma particularly acute.