With a key geostrategic location and valuable maritime resources, the South China Sea has become the epicentre of several ongoing territorial and maritime disputes. This book assesses what can be done to avert the possibility of outright conflict, and to fully harness the Sea's potential for the security of the region and the world at large. An original collection of insightful contributions by leading international authorities and the next influential generation of scholars, these chapters explore the latest diplomatic developments through in-depth analyses on issues affecting East Asian security. The book includes a wide range of views on the topic, covering security, legal and environmental problems, while crucially highlighting the complexity of current tensions. It offers a timely and thorough look into the region, offering potential pathways to improve the security in and around this troubled sea. Academics, students and policymakers engaged in issues related to the law and politics of the sea, as well as specialists in Asian studies and international relations more generally, will benefit from the insight into the intricate diplomatic and security environment of the South China Sea. Contributors include: J. Batongbacal, R. Beckman, L. Buszynski, R. Calvert, J. Kraska, T.T. Le, R.P.M. Lotilla, D. Mair, T.L.A. Nguyen, J.G. Odom, D.H.Phan, A. Scobell, T.T.Thuy, H.D. Vu, T.C. Vu, J.B. Welfield, X. Wu, M. Yahuda, J. You