Southeast Asia is a region characterized by complexity, both geographically and ethnically, as well as politically and militarily. It is constituted by one part continental landmass, located between southern China and India, and one part by an archipelago dividing the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. This position acts as a bridge between two world seas and also between the continents of Asia and Oceania, which has situated the region as a point of convergence. The diversity in religion, cultures and ethnic groups, not only portrays the characteristics of a junction but also the differences in regional conditions and common similarities of Southeast Asian countries. These governments range from totalitarian, democratic, royal as well as communist regimes, which strongly add to the regional diversity.

Southeast Asia is an important area for trade and transport with vital sea-lanes caring 32% of world oil net trade and 27% of world gas net trade, as well as being rich in natural resources and has a large biodiversity. Moreover, due to its geographical location, as a crossroad the region, it has become a melting pot of cultures and influences from Asia as a whole. The problems in the region such as the over-fishing, water shortage, de-forestation, maritime piracy, and ethnical and religious violence mirrors the wealth in natural resources, diversity and opportunities. Additional reasons for concern have been religious based conflicts and the threat of terrorist acts, like the nightclub bombing in Bali 2002. The reality is that many of the South Asian countries have weak or poor state governance, and corruption and organized crime adds further risks to a region that is already infamous for its history of piracy and trade in illicit-drugs.

This project aims to study and analyze some of the most pressing issues facing Southeast Asian. Among the current and potential dangers, still lurking in the shadows in Southeast Asia, are weak economic development, environmental issues, ethnical and religious conflicts as well as the looming threat of failing states and social conflicts, often in a dangerous combination.