Signals intelligence (SIGINT), or the collection of intelligence by the interception of communications or monitoring of other electronic signals, is the most productive source of intelligence available to governments and their defence establishments. Worldwide, investment in SIGINT activities is increasing, with new types of intercept systems being developed and deployed, and new collection targets. In the Asia-Pacific region, there are moves to greater defence self-reliance. There are unresolved conflicts over disputed territory and competing sovereignty claims (especially offshore), unreconstructed communist regimes (in the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Laos), and continuing increases in defence expenditures involving numerous new major arms acquisition programmes. Throughout the region there has been a significant expansion of SIGINT capabilities and operations over the past decade, and this is expected to continue over the foreseeable future. Signals Intelligence in the Post-Cold War Era describes these recent developments in global and regional SIGINT capabilities and operations, and provides some explanation for these developments. The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) was established as an autonomous organization in 1968. It is a regional research centre for scholars and other specialists concerned with modern Southeast Asia, particularly the many-faceted problems of stability and security, economic development, and political and social change. The Institute is governed by a twenty-two-member Board of Trustees comprising nominees from the Singapore Government, the National University of Singapore, the various Chambers of Commerce, and professional and civic organizations. A ten-man Executive Committee oversees day-to-day operations; it is chaired by the Director, the Institute's chief academic and administrative officer. The Regional Strategic Studies Programme (RSSP) was set up in 1981 in response to the need to supplement global concepts and methods of analysis with a closer understanding of the realities in the region; to ensure that much of this is done in the region and with as much input as possible by Southeast Asians themselves, thereby leading to the creation of a body of expertise on security issues resident in the region; and to ensure that, in terms of Southeast Asian participation, there would be greater involvement of the different strands of Southeast Asian opinion and expertise, including not only the academic community but also government and military personnel, mass media, and, as the opportunity arises, the business and commercial sectors. The major objective is to encourage study of the various security issues and developments affecting the area. The Programme is based at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies under the overall supervision of its Director, who is guided by a regional committee, and Programme Advisers.