Complexity, security and civil society in East Asia: foreign policies and the Korean Peninsula

Complexity, Security and Civil Society in East Asia off ers the latest understanding of complex global problems in the region, including nuclear weapons, urban insecurity, energy, and climate change. Detailed case studies of China, North and South Korea, and Japan demonstrate the importance of civil society and ‘civic diplomacy' in reaching shared solutions to these problems in East Asia and beyond. Each chapter describes regional civil society initiatives that tackle complex challenges to East Asia's security. In doing so, the book identifies key pressure points at which civil society can push for constructive changes―especially ones that reduce the North Korean threat to its neighbors. Unusually, this book is both theoretical and practical. Complexity, Security and Civil Society in East Asia presents strategies that can be led by civil society and negotiated by its diplomats to realize peace, security, and sustainability worldwide. It shows that networked civic diplomacy offers solutions to these urgent issues that official ‘complex diplomacy' cannot. By providing a new theoretical framework based on empirical observation, this volume is a must read for diplomats, scholars, students, journalists, activists, and individual readers seeking insight into how to solve the crucial issues of our time.

Introduction -- Global problems, complexity, and civil society in East Asia -- Energy security and the role of green economics in East Asia -- Urban security and complexity in Northeast Asia -- Complexity and weapons of mass destruction in Northeast Asia -- The implications of civic diplomacy for ROK foreign policy -- Anticipating complex Northeast Asian futures -- Bibliography -- Index.