Introduction: A crucible of regional cooperation or conflict-making sovereignty claims? -- Part I. Global dimensions : The global significance of the South China Sea disputes -- Global issues and national interests in the South China Sea -- The Obama Administration's strategic rebalancing in Asia: from a diplomatic to a strategic constrainment of an emergent China? -- The South China Sea and the "Thucydides trap" -- Part II. Subnational, national and regional interests : Continuity and change in the South China Sea -- Understanding the evolution of US-China-ASEAN relations: a US perspective -- India and the South China Sea -- Domestic politics : the overlooked undercurrent in the South China Sea -- Part III. International maritime law : The Tonkin Gulf Agreements: a model of conflict resolution? -- UNCLOS and maritime security in the South China Sea -- Straight baselines around insular formations not constituting an archipelagic state -- Disputed areas in the South China Sea: prospects for arbitration or advisory opinion -- Part IV. Towards conflict or cooperation? : China's naval modernization and US strategic rebalancing: implications for stability in the South China Sea -- Sino-American rivalry in the South China Sea: is it time to form a maritime middle power cooperative? -- Regional cooperation in the South China Sea -- Fishery disputes and regional cooperation -- Conclusion : history, strategy and the South China Sea

1. South China Sea -- International status
2. Territorial waters -- South China Sea Region
3. South China Sea -- Politics and government
4. Arbitration (International law)
5. Jurisdiction (International law)
6. Maritime boundaries