Publication

This brief presents an overview of the issues discussed at the first US-ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Forum that took place in Hawaii in April 2014. According to the author, the meeting facilitated a dialogue on the overall security environment in Asia; allowed the US to reemphasize that it can be relied on by ASEAN members to support the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law; explored areas where cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response can be further strengthened; and highlighted the growing importance of ASEAN to the US.