Sampa Kundu

The South China Sea disputes have received considerable attention from international relations scholars, world leaders and policymakers in the recent decades. China’s aspirations in the region are challenged by the relatively smaller East Asian countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The territorial disputes, mixed with the concept of sovereignty and national pride, have led to the development of geopolitical rivalry in the region.

• Published: January 2016
• Journal of Defence Studies

The South China Sea has been an area of intense focus in post-Cold War international affairs. The primary reason that explains the growing significance of the South China Sea in contemporary world politics is the regional tension and competition involving China and smaller adjacent countries around the sea. The engagement of the extra-regional powers, which has the potential to aggravate the situation, is another factor that compels International Relations (IR) practitioners to keenly watch the developments there. In this context, Robert D.

• Published: September 2015
• Strategic Analysis

In the last two months, the large-scale exodus of Rohingyas towards the coastlines of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia has been a concern not only for the region but also for the international community.

• Published: May 29, 2015
• Issue Brief

It is clear that the Asia Pacific is a platform where various actors can be seen playing wide-ranging roles. The United States is considered one of the existing influential powers playing the role of a security provider, at least partially. On the other hand, an emerging power like India, which is expected to be more responsible and visible in the Asia Pacific region, faces several challenges both at the national and international level. David Brewster’s book discusses India’s ambitions and capabilities as well as its limitations and challenges in becoming an Asia Pacific power.

• Published: January 2015
• Strategic Analysis

Southeast Asian countries are facing challenging times. Push for further democratisation within the countries and the established regimes resistance to it has the possibility of jeopardising the region’s political stability and which may impede the movement towards a ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

• Published: April 07, 2014
• IDSA Comments