Mainstream media might be treating the South China Sea dispute as breaking news, but in this equal parts illuminating and alarming examination of China's maritime actions, James M. Fones, II, urges Americans to face reality: this is a crisis a long time in the making.

Examining history and international law, Fones traces the South China Sea conflict back to the 1970s and America's increasing attitude of isolationism. The correlation between America's passive stance and China's blatant disregard for international law is evidenced throughout the work.

While the current administration...