Cooperative Security

ARF is a multilateral discussion group focusing on dialogue & CBM as a first step to cooperative security. Cooperative security is understood as an alternative to balance of power practise. Cooperative security, unlike collective security, lacks the vehicles of economic & military sanctions. Cooperative security relied on promoting standard int'l norms, principles, codes of conducts among regional partners in order to decrease regional tensions. Focusing primarily on re-assurances, it aims to develop a dialogue amongst the participants & to promote confidence building and possibly preventive diplomacy. Cooperative security was proceded by the concept of common security. But cooperative security favours a more slow & gradual approach, stress on the importance of flexibility, consensus building and consultations. Cooperative security are based on the principles of inclusiveness as they aim to promote a habit of dialogue among all regional states.