Diplomacy Books

Book SynopsisThe advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a historic opportunity for the continent to boost intra-African trade and accelerate structural transformation. However, this relies on a critical policy instrument: the effective implementation of preferential trade liberalisation among the AfCFTA members. Whether in practice African firms will utilize tariff preferences under the AfCFTA depends on a critical factor: rules of origin (RoO) and the net benefits of complying with them. The Economic Development in Africa Report 2019 argues for the adoption of flexible RoO and a strengthening of institutional capacities to ensure an impartial, transparent, predictable, consistent and neutral implementation of agreed rules of origin

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Book SynopsisThis publication contains a presentation of case laws rendered in jurisdictions having enacted the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. In light of the large number of cases collected, the Commission requested a tool specifically designed to present selected information on the interpretation and application of the Model Law in a clear, concise and objective manner. This request originated the UNCITRAL Digest of Case Law on the Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. The purpose of the digest is to assist in the dissemination of information on the Model Law and further promote its adoption as well as its uniform interpretation and application. In addition, the digest is meant to help judges, government officials, arbitrators, practitioners and academics use more efficiently the case law relating to the UNCITRAL text.

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Book SynopsisThe The Yearbook contains the official records of the International Law Commission and is an indispensable tool for the preservation of the legislative history of the documents emanating from the Commission, as well as for the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of the efforts undertaken by the Commission in the progressive development of international law and its codification. Volume II (Part Two) reproduces the edited version of the annual report of the Commission to the General Assembly.

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Book SynopsisThe United Nations Disarmament Yearbook, Volume 42 (Part I): 2017 is a compilation of the resolutions and decisions of the previous General Assembly, their voting patterns in the General Assembly and the First Committee, lead sponsors, sponsors and co-sponsors, references to First Committee report and dates of adoption

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Book SynopsisMany illicit drug markets have reached global dimensions and require control strategies on a comparable scale. In that context, there is a need to better understand these transnational markets and the manner in which they operate. The annual Report, produced by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is a contribution towards that objective. It provides an overview of the illicit drug situation worldwide and regionally, analytical discussions of the key transnational drug markets and statistical trends for all major drug categories.

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Book SynopsisThis manual intends to help newcomers to conference diplomacy to overcome obstacles, familiarise themselves with conference processes and procedures, and become effective more quickly. It also aims to serve as a reference work for more experienced conference delegates. This book will deepen their understanding of both the rules and the dynamics of conferences, and help them take their skills to a higher level. Also, those who give instructions to conference delegates or are affected by conference outcomes can find support here to understand how conferences reach their outcomes. The manual is written from the perspective of practitioners and draws on the experience of conference diplomats from many nations, developed and developing. It also introduces the reader to widely used strategies and tactics, and gives tips as to practices which have proved effective over the years.

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Book SynopsisL'Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par voies de navigation intérieures (ADN) fait à Genève le 26 mai 2000 sous l'égide de la Commission économique des Nations Unies Pour l'Europe (CEE-ONU) et de la Commission centrale pour la navigation du Rhin (CCNR) est entré en vigueur le 29 février 2008. Le Règlement annexé à l'Accord est devenu applicable douze mois après l'entrée en vigueur de l'Accord, soit le 28 février 2009. Le Règlement annexé à l'ADN contient des dispositions relatives aux matières et objets dangereux, à leur transport en colis ou en vrac à bord de bateaux de navigation intérieure ou de bateaux-citernes, ainsi que des dispositions relatives à la construction et à l'exploitation de tels bateaux. Il régit également les prescriptions et procédures relatives aux visites, à l'établissement de certificats d'agrément, à l'agrément des sociétés de classification, aux dérogations, aux contrôles, à la formation et à l'examen des experts.

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Book SynopsisOfficial Records of the Resolutions and Decisions Adopted by the General Assembly during its Seventy-fourth session. Supplement No. 49, Volume III.

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Book SynopsisThis publication assesses progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on education and its ten targets, as well as other related education targets in the SDG agenda. It addresses inclusion in education, drawing attention to all those excluded from education, because of background or ability. The report is motivated by the explicit reference to inclusion in the 2015 Incheon Declaration, and the call to ensure an inclusive and equitable quality education in the formulation of SDG 4, the global goal for education. It reminds us that, no matter what argument may be built to the contrary, we have a moral imperative to ensure every child has a right to an appropriate education of high quality.

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Book SynopsisOn a snowy day in January 1998 Xu Zengping, a Chinese businessman based out of Hong Kong, stood on the deck of the Varyag, a partially constructed aircraft carrier that was being built by the Soviet Union at a shipyard on the Black Sea. Six years later, Xu had apparently bought it for US$ 20 million. It was reported that his firm had no licence, no real address and assets of only US$ 125,000, so it is unclear how it could afford to buy the ship. The report concluded that the Varyag had been bought by the PLA Navy for copying its technology. After the end of the Cold War, China was faced with fundamental challenges - and had to make some critical choices. After Tiananmen: The Rise of China is the story of how it handled its complex domestic and external environment while silently ascending the hierarchy of world power. The book traces the developments in contemporary China from 1989 to 2010, delving into the country''s initial political and economic experiments. It examines the adeptness with which challenges like the ''Malacca Dilemma'' and the resources crunch shaped Chinese policies; how, in the process, the very character of the Chinese Communist Party was fundamentally transformed; and the twists and turns in India''s relationship with China. The sequel to Tiananmen Square: The Making of a Protest, this is an essential primer for those who wish to understand China''s behaviour today.

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Book SynopsisWe are living in mysterious yet miraculous times. On the one hand, we have witnessed the most remarkable fulfilment of Biblical prophecy: the Jewish peoples return to Israel and the prosperity and contributions of this tiny country in such a short time. On the other hand, we have seen an unexpected rise in anti-Semitism which takes the form of anti-Zionism and alliances between groups that are fighting against the most fundamental biblical values. The division in worldviews has become starker than ever. In this book, Josh Reinstein, who through his initiative of faith-based diplomacy is at the centre of this tension, takes a unique approach to explaining what lies behind the recent wave of support for Israel and the counter force. He answers important questions to clarify what drives the political actions that we witness today and what path should be taken moving forward.

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Book SynopsisIn the wake of pervasive global challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean stands at a critical point in its economic development. Development and Diplomacy: Resetting Caribbean Policy Analysis in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic is an illuminating exploration of the region’s need to recalibrate and reshape its developmental policy strategy.Under the stewardship of Winston Dookeran and Dr M. Raymond Izarali, the volume embarks on a comprehensive examination of the frontiers in economic policy analysis: convergence, complexity, competitiveness, and the circular economy. These frontiers, often discussed in isolation, collectively establish the theoretical framework for the World Economic Forum’s “The Great Reset Initiative”, aimed at rebuilding a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world following the pandemic.Thought-provoking chapters – written by scholars and practitioners both within and beyond the region – span issues such as the challenges facing small island states, the adequacy of orthodox growth models, regional advances in policy structures, liberalism, investment and capital flows, and health diplomacy to name a few and encapsulate a multidisciplinary approach. This approach expertly weaves together the disciplines of economics, politics, and diplomacy to forge not only a holistic understanding of Caribbean policy dynamics but also forge a clear path to translating research findings into actionable policy insights, which could propel the Caribbean towards a future of renewed prosperity and shared success. Development and Diplomacy is a sequel to previous publications, such as Winston Dookeran’s Power, Politics and Performance: A Partnership Approach for Development (2012); Crisis and Promise in the Caribbean: Politics and Convergence (2015); The Caribbean on the Edge: The Political Stress of Stability, Equality, and Diplomacy and Dookeran and Carlos Elias’s Shifting the Frontiers: An Action Framework for the Future of the Caribbean (2016). This volume is poised to empower professors and students in the field of development studies, policy leaders and practitioners within agencies, and the voices of citizens and advocates shaping public discourse.Table of ContentsFigures / xTables / xiiBoxes / xiiiMessage from The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean / xivForeword / xviPreface: Development and Diplomacy: Resetting Caribbean Policy Analysis in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic / xviii by Winston DookeranAcknowledgments / xxiiAcronyms / xxiiiPart 1 Conceptual Thought and Framework of Analysis1. Setting Caribbean Development Rethink in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic / 3 by M. Raymond IzaraliPart 2 Sustainability Analysis: COVID-19, Health Security, and Future Resilience2. COVID-19 Symmetric Shock and Its Asymmetric Consequences / 23 by Miriam L. Campanella and Winston Dookeran3. Regional Health Security: An Antidote for COVID-19 within Caribbean SIDS / 43 by Wendy C. Grenade4. Boosting Resilience in the Caribbean: New Strategies for a Sustainable Future / 68 by Helvia VellosoPart 3 Development Frontiers: Fixing the Gap Between Theory and Practice5. The Calculus of Development Insights on the Frontier of Analysis / 87 by Winston Dookeran6. Small State Diplomacy and Global Competitiveness / 104 by Winston Dookeran and Preeya Mohan7. Setting the Agenda for the “Circular Economy” of the Caribbean / 121 by Winston Dookeran and Preeya Mohan8. What Drives Economic Complexity? Panel Data Evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean / 136 by Vaalmikki ArjoonPart 4 Recovery Process: Flows and Frameworks9. Good Governance and Economic Reconfiguration: Policy Responses in Trinidad and Tobago to the COVID-19 Pandemic / 167 by Shane Justin Pantin10. Resetting Regionalism for Convergence and Post-Pandemic Recovery for Caribbean Economies / 180 by David Anyanwu11. The Trend in External Financing to the Caribbean: Is It in the Right Direction? / 198 by Helvia Velloso12. Financing for Quality Investment: The Search for Fresher Sources / 226 by Miriam L. Campanella and Winston Dookeran13. Frontiers, Flows, and Frameworks: Resetting Caribbean and Pacific Policies Post-Pandemic / 242 by Khushbu RaiPart 5 Resetting Diplomacy: Regionalism and Geostrategic Shifts14. CARICOM’s External Engagements: What Are the Prospects for Caribbean Regional Integration and Development in a Post-COVID Environment? / 259 by Annita Montoute15. Resetting and Reinventing the Association of Caribbean States / 281 by June Soomer16. Geopolitical Shifts and Health Diplomacy / 293 by Vijay Kumar Chattu17. Complexity Theory in International Relations Studies: Small States Behavior and the COVID-19 Crisis / 316 by Faies Jafar18. Small States Diplomacy: COVID-19 and the Geostrategic Change / 335 by Winston Dookeran19. Frontiers of the Global Pandemic: A Look at the New Chapters Ahead / 348 by Winston Dookeran and Manfred JantzenAfterword / 367 by Karen Sanderson ColeAbout the Contributors / 371Index / 374

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Book SynopsisPreventive diplomacy constitutes an important part of international conflict resolution mechanisms. The countries in the Asia Pacific region have the political will to use preventive diplomacy to address the needs for sustaining peace and security. The challenge is to find approaches compatible with the consensual norms, and operational for tackling conflicts in the regional context. Structured on this thematic challenge, this book aims to present new approaches and practices of preventative diplomacy, inspired by diplomatic innovation of Asia-Pacific countries and around the world, such as adaptive peace approach, continental approach, dominant coalition, and new leadership in peacebuilding, etc., and takes account recent literature on normative issues relating to preventative diplomacy, such as international rule of law, normative entanglements and evolution, the international, impartial and independent mechanism, the evolution of the norm against child soldiers, the implementation of the woman peace and security agenda, and the role of Jus Post Bellum in the UN peace operations. It also examines how geopolitical competition and the recent covid-19 crisis impact the security of the region, and explores the connection between the Belt and Road Initiative and sustaining peace of the region.This book is a valuable reading on the recent development of approaches and norms of preventative diplomacy and how they can contribute to sustaining peace of the Asia Pacific. It can be used as a text for college students, researchers, and practitioners in the disciplines of international relations, political science, security studies, policy studies, diplomacy, and social issues.

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Book SynopsisPreventive diplomacy constitutes an important part of international conflict resolution mechanisms. This book presents the latest research trends in ideations, institutions and practices in preventive diplomacy and other peacebuilding measures of Asia-Pacific countries to ensure traditional and non-traditional security within and beyond the region. It studies peacebuilding issues range from North Korea nuclear issue in Northeast Asia, disputes in the South China Sea, Afghanistan peace process and China-India-Pakistan interaction in South Asia, UN peacebuilding in Central Asia, etc. It explores general security issues at the state, international, regional and global levels by experts from the Asia-Pacific. This book is a useful guide for those interested to know the security and preventive diplomacy status in the region's distinctive context.

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Book SynopsisIn 2016, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and the UN Security Council respectively adopted resolutions on the review of the UN peacebuilding architecture, and the concept of 'sustaining peace' was formally presented. Since then, the 'sustaining peace' agenda has gradually become the core strategy of the peace cause of the UN. The agenda for sustaining peace emphasizes capacity-building for conflict prevention at the regional level.Faced with the escalation of the international security challenge, regional organizations are increasingly playing a prominent role. They have become important participants in the international peace and security agenda by enhancing cooperation with the UN. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as the centre of regional cooperation processes in the Asia-Pacific, established a series of norms and instruments related to conflict prevention. This book intends to promote discussions on linking conflict prevention and/or preventive diplomacy activities in the region with the sustaining peace agenda promoted by both the ASEAN on a regional scale and the UN on a global scale.In a collaboration between the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) and China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), the book provides discussions from the perspective of both Chinese as well as ASEAN scholars on traditional, as well as emerging, topics on sustaining peace, as well as conflict prevention, conflict management, and conflict resolution.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains the history of China-U.S. Relations (1911–1949), including China-US relations in Early Republican Period, the impact of Versailles Peace Conference and Washington Conference on China-US relations, US support for Northern Warlord Government, the Guangzhou Revolutionary Government, and the Nanjing National Government. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the United States went from neutral to form an alliance with China against Japan. After the end of the War, China and the United States gradually moved toward confrontation. This book also has a brief description of China-US relations from 1784 to 1911.Table of ContentsVol. I , 1911-1949 Introduction. Brief description of China-US relations from 1784 to 1911. Ch I, Early Republican Period Ch II, From Versailles Peace Conference to Washington Conference Ch III, Years of Disturbances Ch IV, From Liutiaohu to Marco Polo Bridge Ch V, From Marco Polo Bridge to Pearl Harbor Ch VI , Wartime Allies Ch VII, The Turning Point Ch VIII, Towards Confrontation

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Book Synopsis"Don't be a coward. What are you afraid of? Never mind if people do not take favourably to what you have to share. Just be honest and truthful, don't embellish but humbly present your story." This was how Winston Choo convinced himself to write this memoir. As a boy, all he wanted was to be a soldier. Never in his wildest dream did he imagine that he would, one day, have three stars on his shoulders. He tells how he was groomed by Dr Goh Keng Swee to lead the Singapore Armed Forces - and yet had to surmount hurdles within both the military and civilian administration. He relates how he shaped the structure, values and culture of the SAF by focusing on people and esprit de corps, and taking a strategic yet pragmatic approach. After 33 years being a man of war, he found himself once again handpicked, this time to be a man of peace - first in the diplomatic service, then as Chairman of the Singapore Red Cross. His novel experience of being ADC to President Yusof Ishak and his astute dealings with the military around the world for the SAF ensured his success in making friends for his homeland. Stricken with cancer, but ever disciplined and never ready to surrender, Winston Choo shares what keeps him soldiering on.

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Book SynopsisThis book, with its focus on the study of diplomatic protocol and etiquette, collects high-quality papers written by scholars in diplomatic protocol from nine countries, including US, UK, Russia, Japan, Canada, Netherlands, India and China. As a result of in-depth international academic cooperation, it explores diplomatic protocol from three dimensions of theory, practice and country-specific and has the characteristics of internationality and nationality. From a global perspective, it is the first time that experts from so many countries work together in diplomatic protocol which makes this book present a more comprehensive and diverse overview. This book, as an effort made to enhance understanding among different cultures and facilitate the harmonious coexistence of people across the world, is remarkably helpful for promoting the research of diplomatic protocol and etiquette, exploring the true connotation of protocol and etiquette, and improving its practicality in realities. Table of ContentsPart I Theoretical ResearchFrom Etiquette to Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette: Concept Discussion and DifferentiationThe Kowtow in Feudal Chinese Protocol and Its DemiseProtocol & Efficacy: Blending Rules with Imagination and InnovationThe Case Study of Deng Xiaoping’s US Visit in 1979As a Tool of Power Games: The Implicit Function of Protocol and EtiquetteThe View on Etiquette in the Globalized Era of Cultural DiversificationA Comparative Study of Chinese and American Diplomatic Protocol: From the Perspective of the Order of Precedence of National FlagsThe Evolution and Development of Diplomatic Protocol and EtiquettePart II Practical ApplicationProtocol Determining Success or Failure: Experiences in the Front Line of DiplomacyEmergency Response Capacity in the Practice of Diplomatic ProtocolThe Order of Precedence and Its Practice Solutions to the Problems Concerning the Positions of Personnel at Foreign-Related Etiquette EventsThe Importance of Diplomatic Hospitality in International Relations: Aspects of Good Manners, Cultural Differences, and Protocol Protocol and International MeetingsA Brief Talk about Differences Between Official Multilateral Etiquette and Bilateral Etiquette The Development of the Belt and Road Initiative and International Communication Etiquette Protocol for Economic DiplomacyPart III Country-Specific StudiesThe Creation of the Protocol Style of Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese CharacteristicsReflection on Confucian Values of Rites and HarmonyMusings on Protocol from an American Perspective and ExperienceBritish Royal Weddings: a State Occasion or a Family Affair?The French Protocol Department and Memorable Experiences of Working ThereThe Specificities of French ProtocolWhat Is Protocol?—Experience and Approach from a Japanese Protocol OfficerWhy the World Needs Protocol: the View from RussiaThe Development and Application of China’s Protocol and Etiquette in the New EraAfterword

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Book SynopsisThis book, with its focus on the study of diplomatic protocol and etiquette, collects high-quality papers written by scholars in diplomatic protocol from nine countries, including US, UK, Russia, Japan, Canada, Netherlands, India and China. As a result of in-depth international academic cooperation, it explores diplomatic protocol from three dimensions of theory, practice and country-specific and has the characteristics of internationality and nationality. From a global perspective, it is the first time that experts from so many countries work together in diplomatic protocol which makes this book present a more comprehensive and diverse overview. This book, as an effort made to enhance understanding among different cultures and facilitate the harmonious coexistence of people across the world, is remarkably helpful for promoting the research of diplomatic protocol and etiquette, exploring the true connotation of protocol and etiquette, and improving its practicality in realities. Table of ContentsPart I Theoretical ResearchFrom Etiquette to Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette: Concept Discussion and DifferentiationThe Kowtow in Feudal Chinese Protocol and Its DemiseProtocol & Efficacy: Blending Rules with Imagination and InnovationThe Case Study of Deng Xiaoping’s US Visit in 1979As a Tool of Power Games: The Implicit Function of Protocol and EtiquetteThe View on Etiquette in the Globalized Era of Cultural DiversificationA Comparative Study of Chinese and American Diplomatic Protocol: From the Perspective of the Order of Precedence of National FlagsThe Evolution and Development of Diplomatic Protocol and EtiquettePart II Practical ApplicationProtocol Determining Success or Failure: Experiences in the Front Line of DiplomacyEmergency Response Capacity in the Practice of Diplomatic ProtocolThe Order of Precedence and Its Practice Solutions to the Problems Concerning the Positions of Personnel at Foreign-Related Etiquette EventsThe Importance of Diplomatic Hospitality in International Relations: Aspects of Good Manners, Cultural Differences, and Protocol Protocol and International MeetingsA Brief Talk about Differences Between Official Multilateral Etiquette and Bilateral Etiquette The Development of the Belt and Road Initiative and International Communication Etiquette Protocol for Economic DiplomacyPart III Country-Specific StudiesThe Creation of the Protocol Style of Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese CharacteristicsReflection on Confucian Values of Rites and HarmonyMusings on Protocol from an American Perspective and ExperienceBritish Royal Weddings: a State Occasion or a Family Affair?The French Protocol Department and Memorable Experiences of Working ThereThe Specificities of French ProtocolWhat Is Protocol?—Experience and Approach from a Japanese Protocol OfficerWhy the World Needs Protocol: the View from RussiaThe Development and Application of China’s Protocol and Etiquette in the New EraAfterword

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Book SynopsisUntil the mid-1950s nearly all the waters lying between the far-flung islands of the Indonesian archipelago were as open to the ships of all nations as the waters of the great oceans. In order to enhance its failing sovereign grasp over the nation, as well as to deter perceived external threats to Indonesia’s national integrity, in 1957 the Indonesian government declared that it had “absolute sovereignty” over all the waters lying within straight baselines drawn between the outermost islands of Indonesia. At a single step, Indonesia had asserted its dominion over a vast swathe of what had hitherto been seas open to all, and made its lands and the seas it now claimed a single unified entity for the first time.International outrage and alarm ensued, expressed especially by the great maritime nations. Nevertheless, despite its low international profile, its relative poverty, and its often frail state capacity, Indonesia eventually succeeded in gaining international recognition for its claim when, in 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea formally recognized the existence of a new category of states known as “archipelagic states” and declared that these states had sovereignty over their “archipelagic waters”.Sovereignty and the Sea explains how Indonesia succeeded in its extraordinary claim. At the heart of Indonesia’s archipelagic campaign was a small group of Indonesian diplomats. Largely because of their dogged persistence, negotiating skills, and willingness to make difficult compromises, Indonesia became the greatest archipelagic state in the world.Trade Review“The book not only tells the story from the Indonesian point of view, but also paints a comprehensive picture of how Indonesia struggled and succeeded in its archipelagic campaign. Sovereignty and the Sea is easily the best book I have read so far this year.”” - Leonardo Bernard, Contemporary Southeast Asia"This is a very good book... Highly recommended, not only to historians of the law of the sea and of modern South-East Asia, but to those who seek to understand just what lies behind the current maritime order." - James Goldrick, The Mariner's Mirror

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Book SynopsisThe most important of Tommy Koh's writings on the Law of the Sea are brought together in Building a New Legal Order for the Oceans. As the president of the third United Nations Conference on the NUS Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he shares his unique perspective on the UNCLOS negotiation process, and the concepts, tensions and intentions that underlie today's Law of the Sea. There could be no better guide to this aspect of international law than Koh.UNCLOS contains the modern law of the sea. It has been called a constitution for the oceans. It contains many new concepts of international law, such as, the Exclusive Economic Zone, Archipelagic State, Straits Used for International Navigation, Transit Passage, Archipelagic Sealane Passage, the Common Heritage of Mankind. Koh explains these and other concepts.Peace at sea is made possible by UNCLOS. Koh discusses current threats to maritime security. He explains the intricacies of the disputes in the South China Sea. What can be learned from the success of UNCLOS? How can we build on that success, and manage the new tensions that arise in the Law of the Sea?Trade Review“The great merit of the publication lies in the fact that a better classification of UNCLOS as an outstanding milestone in the development of the law of the sea is made possible…. The discussion of a number of disputed issues [helps] to better understand the regulations concerned and facilitate their interpretation and application.” - Connections Journal

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Book SynopsisNew insight into the defense history of Singapore. Even small states can have grand strategies. Singapore, despite its poor natural resource endowment, small population, and size, has often been described as punching above its weight in international affairs. Part of this stems from the way Singapore strategically integrates the different diplomatic, political, and defense-oriented tools at its disposal. To explore this, Singapore’s Grand Strategy offers a fresh and useful diplomatic, defense, and security history of Singapore, from its independence in 1965 through today’s period of strategic realignment. Most previous studies of grand strategy have focused on super- or at least middle powers, but this book presents an important contribution to international relations and strategic studies by showing how the concept can help explain the strategic posture and achievements of small states as well. Moreover, he brings a historian's perspective to a subject usually tackled by political scientists. The result will be useful and important for scholars in these fields.Trade Review"This book offers a powerful account of the evolution of Singapore's grand strategy, stretching from the 1960s to the 2000s. It shows that size does not limit the ability of states to develop a successful objectives-resources alignment. It will generate further inquiry into the conditions that drive small states' strategic competence." – Thierry Balzacq, Sciences Po, Center for International Studies, Paris "This is a solid and insightful study of the fundamentals of Singapore's foreign and defence policies, explained as an overarching Grand Strategy. Developed by three of Singapore's most influential strategic thinkers--Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and S. Rajaratnam--the Singapore Grand Strategy, initially driven by the compulsions of a new and small state seeking to survive in a difficult neighbourhood, eventually evolved into a set of underlying principles consistently guiding the country's international and defence posture since 1965. The core elements of the Grand Strategy are clearly explained in this carefully researched and well contextualised study." – Tan Tai Yong, Singapore University of Social Sciences

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Book SynopsisThis biography documents K. Kesavapany’s journey from the Malayan estates in the late 1930s to his move to Singapore when he was headhunted to join the Singapore Civil Service in the 1970s, and from his entry into Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to his subsequent sojourns abroad, such as in Australia, Turkey, Geneva, Jordan, Indonesia, Russia, United Kingdom and Malaysia. After retiring from his last post with the MFA, he took on the position of Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore. This book also elaborates on the next phase of his journey where he holds several prominent portfolios in Singapore’s social and academic scene, such as at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Dyslexia Association of Singapore, Singapore Indian Association, Inter-Religious Organization, as well as the Singapore International Foundation.

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Book SynopsisA new phase in US foreign policy, in which China is viewed as a major threat to American economic and security interests, has begun under the Trump administration. The strong anti-China sentiment is accompanied by efforts to “decouple” from China. If carried too far, they will alienate allies and friends whose cooperation the US will need in order to compete with China. In the broader American foreign policy community, there is an intense ongoing debate on how strong the push-back against China should be. Both moderates and hawks agree on the need for a “tougher” approach but differ on the degree and method of toughness. No coherent strategy has been possible partly because President Trump’s thinking does not always accord with that of his own administration and partly because it is still too early in the day to come out with well-thought-out policies to support such a major change in foreign policy direction. The ongoing adjustments to global policy and strategy will therefore continue as the security focus shifts to the Indo-Pacific region. The “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” concept provides some signs of the broad direction policy may take but its vital economic dimension is still missing. There is greater recognition in Washington of the importance of Southeast Asia. Located in the middle of Indo-Pacific, it will be a contested zone between China and the US and its allies. The US will step up its public diplomacy to better promote its own narrative in Southeast Asia. Under the Trump administration, the importance of the South China Sea to the US has risen. The US will remain a powerful factor in Asia despite Trump and problems at home. China is not on an inevitable path of dominance given its own significant domestic challenges.

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Book SynopsisAmerican Indo-Pacific policy will be driven by its China policy, regardless of whether there is a second-term Donald Trump administration or a first-term Joe Biden administration.The Republicans will continue to frame the major challenge as “balancing” against Chinese power and “countering” the worst aspects of Beijing’s policies. Establishment or moderate Democrats under Biden will choose the softer language of seeking a favourable “competitive coexistence” in the military, economic, political and global governance realms, and the reassertion of American leadership and moral standing.In advancing the FOIP, the current administration argues that disruptiveness and unpredictability are necessary to reverse what they see as the “normalization” of Chinese assertiveness, coercion and revisionism. They also point to the closeness of US cooperation with Japan, Australia and India and bourgeoning strategic relationships with Vietnam. A second-term Trump administration will continue to seek out “fit-for-purpose” existing institutions and relationships, or prioritize new ones.Establishment Democrats believe that the “America First” unilateralist approach is unsettling for allies and partners. In advancing a favourable “competitive coexistence” with China, Democrats will seek to expand the tools of statecraft and achieve a better balance between military/economic/political/governance approaches.Prima facie, a Biden administration might position America as a more consultative guarantor of a preferred order. However, there will be greater pressure on Southeast Asians to accept more collective responsibility to advance common objectives. This means hedging in a manner more suitable to American rather than Chinese preferences. Failing that, more emphasis might be placed on greater institutionalization of the Quad and ad hoc groupings.A Bernie Sanders administration, now an unlikely prospect, would be a disaster for US standing and power in the region, and therefore for Southeast Asia.

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Book SynopsisChapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: India-Taiwan Relations: Exploring Science and Technology Diplomacy as a Tool for Foreign Policy in the Twenty-first century.- Chapter 3: Science and Technology Diplomacy for India-Taiwan Relations in the Twenty-first century: Case Studies.- Chapter 4: Taiwan's Role in the Global 5G Technology Landscape in the Indo-Pacific Region: Adoption, Competition and Diplomacy.- Chapter 5: Conclusion: Policy Recommendations.

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Book SynopsisChapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Impact of the Ukraine War on Security in the Baltic region.- Chapter 3: Small States in a Transforming World: The Baltic Response to the War in Ukraine.- Chapter 4: Ukraine and Beyond: Understanding the Foreign Policy of the Baltic States.- Chapter 5: The Baltic States as Members: Accord and Discord in the EU and NATO.- Chapter 6: Beyond Asymmetry: The Ukraine War and the Baltics' Role in Redefining EU-Russia Relations.- Chapter 7: Ukraine Crisis: Re-defining the Nordic-Baltic Security Outlook.- Chapter 8: Small States' Agency in Preserving Liberal International Order: The Case of Lithuania's Values-Based Foreign Policy towards the Indo-Pacific.- Chapter 9: The Baltics and China: Changing Equations.- Chapter 10: Regional identity at the critical juncture - how the Baltic Sea Region manages the punctuation of the post-Cold War equilibrium?.- Chapter 11: The Baltic Sea Region: Education, Research, Innovation and Training Policy in a Changing Europe.- Chapter 12: Changing Energy Dynamics in the Baltic Sea Region.- Chapter 13: India-Baltic Relations: From Reluctance to Evolving Engagement.- Chapter 14: India Baltic Cultural Linkages.- Chapter 15: Gender Equality and Status of Women in the Baltics: A Work in Progress.- Chapter 16: The Lingering Question of Russian minorities in Baltic Nation-states.

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Book SynopsisDiplomatic relations between Cambodia and Britain at the height of the Cold War provide unique insights into the overall foreign policies of both nations. King Norodom Sihanouk's strategy of preserving the independence and integrity of Cambodia through a policy of neutrality grew ever more challenging as the Cold War heated up in Indochina and the conflict in Vietnam became a proxy war between the superpowers. Despite its alliance with the United States, Britain's diplomatic objectives in the region largely aligned with Cambodia's, and British criticism of US policy towards Cambodia was a problem in the alliance.British diplomatic records present a fascinating window into Cambodian decision-making, and the rationale behind Sihanouk's sometimes apparently irrational policies. The reports yield new insights into Sihanouk's efforts to sustain Cambodia's integrity vis-à-vis its more powerful neighbours. Equally, a fine-grained analysis of British-Cambodia relations reveals much about the dynamics of British foreign policy in the period. Britain's ultimate dependence on its powerful American ally limited its influence in the region. After 1967, indeed, it ceased to have a strategic role. Over the period, British frustrations grew, even as it remained consistent in its foreign policy objectives and approaches.

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