Southeast Asia, with a total population of 520 million, remains a region characterized by fragmentation, diversity and considerable internal conflict despite the unifying influence of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), formed nearly 35 years ago. In the new millenium, it has lost the distinction of being the world's fastest growing group of economies since the 1997 financial crisis. While it has benefited from the winds of globalization, it has now to cope with the painful adjustments to problems that stem from the inadequacies of good governance and structural changes. This volume brings together the combined insights by specialists who have worked and lived in the region. The theme of the book is change and transformation. The authors identify the trends and forces that propel the region along, and then bring in discussions on key issues. In some cases, they offer their views on the future of the region and recommendations for solutions. The intention of the book is to offer a scholarly review of the region's development over the past half century and to provide a firm basis for forecasting its further evolution in the new millennium.