There is a growing interest in human security in Southeast Asia. This book firstly explores the theoretical and conceptual basis of human security, before focusing on the region itself. It shows how human security has been taken up as a central part of security policy in individual states in Southeast Asia, as well as in the regional security policy within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Yukiko Nishikawa is Associate Professor at Nagoya University, Japan. She was previously a lecturer in the Office of Human Rights and Social Development, Thailand. Among her research interests is conflict and peace in the Asia Pacific region, and her recent publications include "The ASEAN Way and Asian Regional Security" in Politics and Policy, Blackwell Publishing (2007) and Japan's Changing Role in Humanitarian Crises, Routledge (2005).

Introduction 1. Human Security: A New Label for Old Challenges? 2. Human Security in Southeast Asia at a Turning Point 3. Domestic Challenges for Human Security 4. Regional Challenges for Human Security 5. The ASEAN Way and Human Security Conclusion