Special Relationship in the Malay World

Ho Ying Chan provides an expert analysis of Malaysia-Indonesia relations. He demystifies the concept of a "special relationship," rescuing it from woolly, sentimental rhetoric that often emanates from political figures and popular commentators. His well-informed study shows how a state's will to survive in the amoral world of international relations drives its conduct even in circumstances of common identities and common strategic interests with other states. He evaluates comparative evidence to shed light on how a special relationship leads to the emergence of a pluralistic security community. This is a conclusion of insight and value, not only to the field of Southeast Asian Studies, but also to the wider community of International Relations scholars. Professor Clinton Fernandes University of New South Wales Australia --Back cover.