This book investigates the complex dynamics of regional order and the persistent role of conflict in shaping South-east Asia's political landscape. Michael Leifer, a distinguished scholar of international relations, draws upon extensive research and analysis of the region's post-colonial history to present a nuanced argument about the interplay between state behavior, external influences, and the enduring presence of security challenges. The work posits that conflict, rather than stability, has been the primary driver of regional order in South-east Asia.

Michael Leifer's "Conflict and Regional Order in South-east Asia" is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of international relations and Asian security. Scholars often cite Leifer's incisive analysis of the region's complex geopolitical environment and his ability to connect historical events to contemporary security challenges. The book is frequently referenced for its rigorous examination of how conflict has paradoxically structured and maintained a form of regional order, making it a foundational text for understanding the area.