The Political Economy of Information and Communication Conditions in the Asia-Pacific

The role of messaging, information, and communication (or miscommunication) in the initiation of conflict is a critical area of study. This paper explores whether the communication and information dynamics that may have contributed to conflict still exist in Korea, Northeast Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, it examines what can be done to mitigate such dynamics from contributing to potential future conflicts. A development approach may be used to explore the sources and seek solutions to conflict in the Asia-Pacific. Conflict over establishing and maintaining chosen development models provides a broad rationale for the Korean War and identifies the present as being subjected to this ongoing development-based conflict. Global development may be employed by the great powers to build a stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific during the completion of the demographic transition. Concepts of Political Economy being utilized include global development, structural power, great power statecraft, hegemony through consent, the role of middle and small power, demographic transition and resource scarcity, and human security.