Northeast Asia has emerged as one of the most important regions in the world economy, but at the same time, it is also perceived to be one of the greatest threats to international security. Northeast Asia is the most militarized region in the world, and there exist a high level of intra-regional distrust. Nonetheless, there exist no regional conflict management mechanisms or regional culture of conflict prevention, something that is recognized by this project.

Within this project prominent scholars and practitioners from leading institutes in the region, the US, and Europe will be given an opportunity to jointly work on problems relating to cooperative security, the problem of reaching decision makers and the military elite, and the need to bridge between theoretical research and operative implementation of the findings. Underlying this cooperation is a mutual commitment to a peaceful development in Northeast Asia. There is an awareness of the fact that instruments for prevention and management are essential for successful social and economic development from local to regional level, and fundamental for political stability and peace in the region.

The project explores the possibly unique dynamics of the region’s conflicts, societies, and development process. This will increase our knowledge and understanding of the prevention and management mechanisms/dynamics of both the inter-state, state, and regional level. Special emphasis will be put on the role of informal institutions and networks.

Streaming through the project is the importance of international- and intra-regional cooperation. The development and expansion of different forms of formal as well as informal cooperation and networks are emphasized among both theorists and practitioners. The understanding of the dynamics and development of such cooperation and networks are essential for our research on the management and prevention of conflicts.

Central for the project is the exchange of people and ideas:

*Visiting- and guest researchers are exchanged between the participating institutes, on both inter- and intra-regional basis.

*Workshops and seminars are organized in Sweden , the region, and the US .

*The network is continuously deepened and expanded, both including new partners and intensifying the cooperation with existing ones.

*The researchers are active conference participants in the region as well as the rest of the world. They also participate in the public and academic debate.

*The projects findings are regularly published in academic journal, books, conference papers, and other forms.

This project is part of the by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs funded research on Conflict and Security in Asia.