It has been observed that, over the last twenty years or so, the center of world politics and power has changed, and it Is drifting towards east from west. The same thoughts are also inked by Robert D. Kaplan, in his book, “Asia’s Cauldron: The South China Sea and The End Of A Stable Pacific”. Kaplan believes that the Southeast Asian coastline may become the center of the 21st century’s future clashes. The author’s central idea is based on the sea frontiers, rather than land. Maritime borders of Southeast Asian countries might become a flashpoint in future clashes. As Kaplan states: “Europe is a landscape; East Asia is a seascape.”
The Specter of Afghanistan: Security in Central Asia Related postThe South China Sea has great importance, due to its major trade route, and its richness in natural resources like oil and gas. The author relates China’s position in the South China Sea, same as America’s in the Caribbean Sea, during the previous century. The author has highlighted the importance of the growing sea power capabilities of countries located in the South China Sea region. A major source of contention in the region lies in the ownership of disputed islands like: Spratly, Parcels, and the Pratas. Kaplan has discussed the regional countries in separate chapters. The presence of America, and regional countries’ approach towards it, is a major concern for China, to achieve the status of hegemon in the region.
In the book’s first chapter,........