Routledge Alliance Decision-Making in South China Sea - Routledge

This Routledge study examines the strategic calculations of five Asia-Pacific nations-Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Indonesia-as they navigate rising Chinese power and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The book investigates why only the Philippines has maintained a formal security alliance with the United States, whilst others have pursued alternative approaches to managing regional tensions. Through detailed analysis of state decision-making processes, the work explores the factors that influence smaller powers' choices between formal alliance commitments and independent strategies. Scholars, policymakers and students of international relations will find valuable insights into how geopolitical competition, historical relationships and strategic calculations shape alliance formation in one of the world's most contested regions. This reference work contributes to understanding US foreign policy objectives in Asia-Pacific and the complex dynamics that determine regional security partnerships.