The vibrance and optimism in Southeast Asia during 1993 was palpable. In the wake of the end of the Cold War, the region built upon the development that was already on track. Even so, the pace has been surprising. Not only did the ASEAN economies perform well generally, Vietnam surged ahead in economic development, and Myanmar registered strong signs of economic growth.

Politically, the region enjoys dynamic stability even though the South China Sea continues to pose a potential conflict area, and a North Korean nuclear capability will be destabilizing. The political transition in Cambodia proved to be a greater success than anticipated. The major concern remains the question of an emerging power balance in the larger Asia-Pacific region, especially with the new economic weight of China.

What will the next year look like?

Regional Outlook was first published in 1992, to meet the needs of the general reader, the busy executive and decision-maker, who seek to follow and understand the fast-changing regional scene. It aims to be succinct yet substantial, general yet nuanced in its analysis. Above all, it strives to be readable.

We hope you will find this volume useful and, if you care to, tell others about it.