Southeast Asia consists primarily of eleven countries, and geographic constraints have made connectivity among them difficult, thereby impeding regional development. In recent years, Southeast Asia has become an important area of regional economic growth. Under rapid economic expansion, Southeast Asian countries have actively sought infrastructure development, while neighboring and extra-regional countries, seeing the growing demand for infrastructure investment, have also participated actively in infrastructure projects in the region. Participating countries hope not only that infrastructure will generate economic and commercial benefits, but also that these projects will enhance Southeast Asia?s international political influence. As a result, strategic and political considerations often accompany infrastructure development, shaping the success or failure of these projects together with economic interests.