Small Islands and Invisible Boundaries: Sovereignty, Security, and Maritime Disputes in the Indo-Pacific

by Debasish Nandy (Editor), Monojit Das (Editor)

Overview

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the strategic, economic, and environmental challenges facing this critical region. It aims to fill a gap in academic research by focusing specifically on the multifaceted issues of small island disputes, territorial claims, and their implications for regional and global security. The book is distinctive due to its interdisciplinary approach, incorporating perspectives from international relations, security studies, environmental science, and maritime law. It aims to satisfy the needs of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region and develop informed strategies for regional stability and cooperation. It is designed to offer readers a thorough understanding of the Indo-Pacific's complex geopolitical landscape. By addressing strategic, economic, and environmental challenges, the book will be invaluable for scholars, policymakers, and students. The special features like maps, tables, figures, and case studies, will facilitate a deeper comprehension of the region’s disputes and strategic significance, making it an essential resource for anyone engaged in studying or working within the realm of Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789819670895
Publisher:	Springer Nature Singapore
Publication date:	09/21/2025
Pages:	330
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Debasish Nandy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Kazi Nazrul University in Asansol, West Bengal, India. In addition, he coordinates the Centre for Studies of South and South-East Asian Societies at the same university. Dr. Nandy was the Visiting Faculty at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany.

Dr. Monojit Das, specializes in geo-politics and national security. He is Hon. Executive Editor at IADN Indian Aerospace and Defence News (India’s leading magazine on defence since 2012), and has publications on national security and geopolitical affairs, added in curriculum of multiple institutions. Besides academics he also has experience in promoting academic exchanges and Indian education through institutional collaboration and coordination with ICCR, MEA, GoI.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Part I: Geopolitical Disputes and Legal Considerations.- Chapter 2: Legal and Political Implications of the Dokdo/Takeshima Dispute: A Perspective on Peace and Security in Northeast Asia.- Chapter 3: The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands Dispute: A Materialist and Constructivist Analysis.- Part II: Small Islands in the Great Power Competition.- Chapter 4: ASEAN’s Relevance in Regional Geopolitics: Examining the Role of Singapore.- Chapter 5: Pacific Island Countries in the Time of Great Power Competition.- Chapter 6: No Room to Hedge: The Philippines' Quest for Deterrence Under Marcos Jr..- Chapter 7: Small Island Nations and Great Power Competition in the Indo-Pacific.- Part III: Maritime Security and Strategic Partnerships.- Chapter 8: Maritime Security of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives: Significance, Challenges, and Strategies.- Chapter 9: China-Papua New Guinea Relations: Strategic Partnerships and Development Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Context.- Chapter 10: The Maritime and Climatic Security of Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, and Solomon Islands: Are There Influences from Regional or External Powers?.- Chapter 11: The Strategic Salience of India’s Island Chains in the Indian Ocean: Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.- Part IV: Climate Change, Migration, and Security Challenges.- Chapter 12: The Environmental and Maritime Security of St. Martin Island and Other Small Islands of Bangladesh.- Chapter 13: EU-ASEAN Interregionalism: The Role of Interregional Cooperation in Addressing Maritime Security Challenges.- Chapter 14: Sinking Futures: Consequences of Migration in Selected Small Island States of the Indo-Pacific.- Chapter 15: The Role of Nauru as a Strategic Disruptor in Indo-Pacific Geopolitics Through Citizenship by Investment.