This Brief provides a cross-sectional analysis of development-directed investments in the wider
Mekong region. The wider Mekong region includes Laos Cambodia Thailand Vietnam Myanmar and
the Chinese province of Yunnan. Evidence highlights that a few critical dynamics including
human migration natural resource flows and financial investments generate a high level of
connectivity between these countries. Such high levels of connectivity increase complexity and
the potential for ripple effects of national decisions. The emerging links between countries
can unfold in financial investments migration or the flow of resources. As these links
intensify the regional connectivity increases and over time a highly connected region can
emerge as experienced by the Mekong region. This Brief also contains a chapter at the end of
the book featuring numerous charts and diagrams further illustrating the impact of development
activities in the area.
