Political and economic reforms in Myanmar have brought a wide range of companies and state enterprises to its doorstep – all eager to tap the country’s abundant natural resources and its growth potential. However, in the absence of strong regulatory frameworks, Myanmar could fall victim to its own resource abundance. What is required therefore are frameworks for responsible resource management founded on the principles of transparency, accountability and community engagement.

NTS VIEWPOINT

January’s weather extremes: Will it spur new action?

By J. Jackson Ewing and Sally Trethewie

January 2013 saw weather and environmental extremes across the globe pose severe threats to lives and livelihoods. Unprecedented hot weather and heavy flooding were seen in Australia. Abnormally cold weather hit China, western Russia and South Asia. Areas of North and South America battled some of the worst droughts of the past century.

Message from the Dean

Dear Readers,

The Year in Review series has been gaining in readership since the first issue was published in 2009. Each year, we strive to improve the Year in Review, to make it even more relevant and informative for you. Our aim is to provide an overview of issues through a non-traditional security (NTS) lens and with a focus on the Asia-Pacific.

Rizal Sukma
Executive Director
Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Jakarta
Indonesia

Abstract

NTS VIEWPOINT

Disaster preparedness: Still lacking in ASEAN?

By Gianna Gayle H. Amul

Apart from being prone to seasonal floods and storms, most ASEAN member states straddle the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, compared to the relentless onslaught of natural calamities in the region, the development of ASEAN’s disaster mitigation mechanisms has been sluggish, if not long overdue.

NTS VIEWPOINT

US drought another wake-up call for global resolve on food price stability

The US is currently experiencing its worst drought in half a century. The resulting crop destruction has raised fears of yet another rise in global food prices, what would be the third in five years. This raises larger questions of how to tackle rising instances of food supply shocks. It also underlines the clear need for food price stability to be moved up the global food-security agenda.

NTS VIEWPOINT

The G8 food security alliance: Passing big bucks or ‘the’ buck?

In what appears to be a major step forward for cooperation on food security at the multilateral level, the G8 launched the multi-billion dollar New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition on 18 May 2012. However, while the efforts of the G8 countries to prioritise food security have been praised, criticisms have emerged – particularly in non-governmental organisation (NGO) circles – about several aspects of the initiative.

By Sheena Kumari

NTS VIEWPOINT

Myanmar’s national reconciliation process: A positive for the region?