ABSTRACT
This book tests the hypothesis that the operation and interplay of territorial, energy, and power considerations influence the maritime territorial disputes in East Asia. It is suspected that the dynamics of such disputes are informed by these three factors. The study of maritime territorial disputes is thus not associated with one consideration alone. Instead of privileging one over another, all three geopolitical attributes and their specific features are given importance in the conceptual framework, although it is noted that their respective salience may vary across the disputes. It is contended that rather than adopting a single explanation, maritime territorial disputes can best be understood by linking these interconnected variables. Hence, the central argument developed in the book is that it is the operation and interplay of the territorial, energy, and power dimensions that can cause the rapid and dangerous escalation of a specific territorial dispute. Conversely, the reduced virulence of the geopolitical attributes may result in the de-escalation and diffusion of tensions.
