1
Department of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The Asia–Pacific region, as one of the most significant geographical and geopolitical areas, plays a decisive role in shaping and transforming global order and security in the twenty-first century. One of the key theoretical frameworks for analyzing this region is Barry Buzan’s Regional Security Complex Theory, which is grounded in five core indicators: security interdependence; social structure (patterns of amity and enmity); geographical proximity; anarchic structure; and relative autonomy. The present study aims to identify and analyze the security challenges confronting the Asia–Pacific region based on these five indicators. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach and is conducted using library-based and online sources. According to the findings, the most significant security challenges include, under the first indicator, the interdependence of territorial disputes, non-traditional threats, and the crisis on the Korean Peninsula. Under the second indicator, challenges stem from historical and identity-related issues such as historical legacies of war and occupation, collective memories, ideological divides and value-based confrontations, the spectrum of power relations, multilayered security architecture, and discursive competition between the Asia–Pacific and the Indo-Pacific frameworks. Under the third indicator, challenges arise from the interconnection and overlap of crisis-prone zones across the subregions of this vast area. Based on the fourth indicator, challenges are associated with the absence of comprehensive regional authority, arms competition among major powers, dual policies adopted by states, and the inefficiency of regional institutions. Finally, under the fifth indicator, challenges are examined in relation to the relative autonomy of states within the region. The results indicate that security challenges in the Asia–Pacific region are deeply intertwined and complex, exerting significant impacts on the stability and security of neighboring regions as well as the global system.
Badiee Azandahi, M. , Kamran Dastjerdi, H. , Zarei, B. and Naghibzadeh, S. M. (2026). Security Challenges Facing the Asia–Pacific Region Based on the Indicators of Barry Buzan’s Regional Security Complex Theory. Strategic Defense Studies, 23(102), 225-256.
MLA
Badiee Azandahi, M. , , Kamran Dastjerdi, H. , , Zarei, B. , and Naghibzadeh, S. M. . "Security Challenges Facing the Asia–Pacific Region Based on the Indicators of Barry Buzan’s Regional Security Complex Theory", Strategic Defense Studies, 23, 102, 2026, 225-256.
HARVARD
Badiee Azandahi, M., Kamran Dastjerdi, H., Zarei, B., Naghibzadeh, S. M. (2026). 'Security Challenges Facing the Asia–Pacific Region Based on the Indicators of Barry Buzan’s Regional Security Complex Theory', Strategic Defense Studies, 23(102), pp. 225-256.
CHICAGO
M. Badiee Azandahi , H. Kamran Dastjerdi , B. Zarei and S. M. Naghibzadeh, "Security Challenges Facing the Asia–Pacific Region Based on the Indicators of Barry Buzan’s Regional Security Complex Theory," Strategic Defense Studies, 23 102 (2026): 225-256,
VANCOUVER
Badiee Azandahi, M., Kamran Dastjerdi, H., Zarei, B., Naghibzadeh, S. M. Security Challenges Facing the Asia–Pacific Region Based on the Indicators of Barry Buzan’s Regional Security Complex Theory. Strategic Defense Studies, 2026; 23(102): 225-256.
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