Southeast Asian Affairs, of which there are now twenty-five in the series, is a review of significant developments and trends in the region, with particular emphasis on ASEAN countries. The publication aims primarily at giving the enquiring reader a broad grasp of current regional affairs. Readable and easily understood analyses are made of major political, economic, social, and strategic developments within Southeast Asia.The contributions can be divided into two broad categories. There are those which review and comment upon major developments during 1997 in individual Southeast Asian countries and in the region generally. Then there are the articles of more specialized current interest which deal with topical problems of concern in the individual Southeast Asian countries or the region as a whole. Specialists on Southeast Asian matters, the contributors to this volume represent a broad spectrum of interests including economics, history, political science, international relations, law, demography, and sociology. Although the subject matter is extensive in range, most of the articles in this volume relate in various ways either to the changing circumstances of international politics or to economic developments in the region.This volume contains twenty articles, dealing with such major themes as international conflict and co-operation, political stability, and economic growth and developments.

Founded in 1974, Southeast Asian Affairs provides, without fear or favour, informed and in-depth annual analyses of this vibrant region and its component countries. It is the only publication which does this and is in its own class without peers. It is a mandatory reference and read for those seriously interested in knowing Southeast Asia. –Professor A.B. Shamsul, Director, Institute of the Malay World & Civilization, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia"Now in its 37th edition, Southeast Asian Affairs offers an indispensable guide to this fascinating region. Lively, analytical, authoritative, and accessible, there is nothing comparable in quality or range to this series. It is a must read for academics, government officials, the business community, the media, and anybody with an interest in contemporary Southeast Asia. Drawing on its unparalleled network of researchers and commentators, ISEAS is to be congratulated for producing this major contribution to our understanding of this diverse and fast-changing region, to a consistently high standard and in a timely manner."–Hal Hill, H.W. Arndt Professor of Southeast Asian Economies, Australian National University

Founded in 1974, Southeast Asian Affairs provides, without fear or favour, informed and in-depth annual analyses of this vibrant region and its component countries. It is the only publication which does this and is in its own class without peers. It is a mandatory reference and read for those seriously interested in knowing Southeast Asia.–Professor A.B. Shamsul, Founding DirectorInstitute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Bebangsaan Malaysia."Now in its 38th edition, Southeast Asian Affairs offers an indispensable guide to this fascinating region. Lively, analytical, authoritative, and accessible, there is nothing comparable in quality or range to this series. It is a must read for academics, government officials, the business community, the media and anybody with an interest in contemporary Southeast Asia. Drawing on its unparalleled network of researchers and commentators, ISEAS is to be congratulated for producing this major contribution to our understanding of this diverse and fast-changing region, to a consistently high standard and in a timely manner."–Hal Hill, H.W. Arndt Professor of Southeast Asian EconomiesAustralian National University