Crossing Borders in the Asia-Pacific

Book excerpt: The impact across borders of transnational identities, business links and ideas has been on the international political agenda for a long time. These cross border phenomena have a steady and profound influence on domestic politics and international relations. However, they also represent a challenge because these factors can subvert accustomed views of sovereignty. The essays in this book stress the diversity and influence as well as the limitations of cross border phenomena in the Asia-Pacific, a region home to the principles of non-interference and respect for autonomy. Emerging from this collection is a picture of an area dynamically affected by the penetration of ideas, organised interests, and financial flows. Though national borders have become more porous, state power and local identities still resist, shape and modify cross border influences.