Geopolitics and Maritime Territorial Disputes in East Asia

ISBN-13: 9780415625036 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 196 str.

Ralf Emmers

Opis

Geopolitics is a crucial element in understanding international relations in East Asia, with major and medium powers competing for influence. This book examines geopolitics in East Asia, focusing in particular on its major, contentious maritime territorial disputes. It looks in particular detail at the overlapping claims between Japan, China and Taiwan over the Senkaku/Diao yu Islands in the East China Sea as well as the Paracel Islands claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam and the Spratly Islands involving Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam in the South China Sea. The book offers a comparative study of the East and South China Seas by arguing that their respective circumstances are influenced by similar geopolitical considerations; factors such as territory, natural resources and power competition all impact on disputes and broader regional relations. It is precisely the interplay of these geopolitical forces that can lead to the rapid escalation of a maritime territorial dispute or reversely to a diffusion of tensions. The book considers how such disputes might be managed and resolved peacefully, despite the geopolitical conditions that can make co-operation on these issues difficult to achieve. Ralf Emmers examines the prospect for conflict management and resolution by identifying catalysts which may contribute to improving the climate of relations.

Recenzje

'Emmers' analysis is not only up to date but is also competently realized..." - Stein Tonnesson, PRIO, Contemporary Southeast Asia Vol. 32, No.1 (2010)

Spis treści

1. The Influence of Geopolitics on Maritime Territorial Disputes  2. The Geopolitical Considerations of the East Asian Claimant States  3. The Senkaku/Diao yu Dispute  4. The Paracel and Spratly Disputes  5. Geopolitical Interplay in the East and South China Seas  6. Conflict Management and Resolution in the East and South China Sea Disputes.  Conclusion