The Link between Military Security and Economic Development in the Pacific
The Honorable Thomas S. Foley
United States Ambassador to Japan
First of all, I would like to express my appreciation to the Pacific Basin Economic Council for the invaluable - and, I would add, indispensable - role it plays in fostering closer international ties in this region. It is an honor for me to join Dr, Hernandez and the distinguished members of this panel in addressing a topic which is at the core of international relations at the start of the 21st century.
People everywhere seek security and prosperity, and their governments in most cases claim to pursue these same general goals. How to achieve them is the real question. To do so in anything but simple, and international relations theory is replete with analysis of the relationships between security and economics. Today I would like to share a few observations about the most salient features of this link in the Asia-Pacific region.
In my view there is no question that positive trends in security and prosperity are mutually reinforcing. It is also true that economic setbacks, which are inevitable from time to time, can put stability and security at risk unless there is something in place to prevent the development of a negative spiral.
Stability fosters growth through several means: a reduced need to military expenditures frees up more resources for consumption and investment; stability is a key factor in domestic and foreign capital investment decisions; businesses involved in international trade and collaborative arrangements need to be able to rely on their counterparts without worrying about interference from security problems. Most economies of the Asia-Pacific region, which for the past several decades have achieved some of the most remarkable economic growth rates in the world, have absorbed these lessons and continue to prosper as a result.
The overaching goal of American diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region is to develop a positive dynamic in which a stable security environment enables economic development to flourish unhampered by the threat of war. Economic growth, in turn, contributes to the maintenance of peace. True stability arises when we progress beyond merely deterring aggression, to reducing the underlying causes of conflict. Nevertheless, credible deterrence remains the indispensable foundation for a stable environment.
Therefore, I feel very strongly that we should resist the notion that the amount of resources we devote to security should fluctuate with our economic fortunes, rather than be based on an assessment of what we need to do to ensure stability. The United States will sustain its commitments to the peace and stability of this region, backed up with the necessary resources and personnel, regardless of the changes that our electoral and business cycles bring. But the U.S. is not, and cannot be, the sole source of stability in the Asia-Pacific. Over the course of this new century, international cooperation in the form of traditional alliances as well as other emerging arrangements will be more essential than ever.
Japan, in the context of well-established constitutional and political constraints, plays a vital security role through its partnership with the U.S. For this Japan deserves recognition, credit, and support. The U.S.-Japan security tie is the most important in the region, I would argue, for fostering the lasting security we all seek. At the same time, the United States certainly does not overlook the importance of security relationships with other partners.
With the two largest economies in the world, supporting the largest defense budgets, bound together in a peaceful alliance, the people and governments in this region, as well as those interested in trading or investing here, have come to rely on the resulting stability. The sustained stabilizing effect we have enjoyed over the years has come to seem to be a natural pat of the Asia-Pacific environment. But security doesn't just happen. It is the result of solemn commitments, considerable resources, and extraordinary efforts and sacrifices by dedicated individuals.
Japan deserves great credit for its steady contribution to regional peace and stability. By providing to U.S. forces access to areas and facilities and bolstering that with a generous host nation support program, Japan has been a staunch, reliable supporter of peace and stability. Our alliance is in great health, and we are moving forward to strengthen our cooperation by implementing our Defense Guidelines, undertaking join Theater Missile Defense research, and expanding the scope of joint training and exercises.
These days a number of Japanese thinkers, in looking at Japan's international security role, have begun to propose more active participation and/or capability in various areas, such as peacekeeping operations, humanitarian relief, non-combatant evacuations, and maritime intercept operations. Japan's political process is addressing these proposals in a deliberate manner. While we must respect the democratic decision-making process underway, I would say that such steps would be welcome additions to Japan's current contributions to peace and stability. Over the years, Japan has and humanitarian relief in financial terms; certainly we would also welcome a greater Japanese role on the ground.
When we talk about a positive dynamic between security and economic development , we are really talking about developing a true Asia-Pacific community. To e fully successful, this Asia-Pacific community must embrace a set of fundamental human values; respect for democratic governance, human rights, open trade, and cultural diversity. It must be inclusive, based on shared interests rather than on a common threat. These are values that characterize the U.S.-Japan relationship and it is my belief that our alliance with Japan and the strong economic ties between our countries will be the critical catalyst and foundation for the emergence of this broader Asia-Pacific community.