Asia’s Power Dynamics

This Adelphi examines defence procurement in Asia against a backdrop of the region’s fragmented security infrastructure. The overlapping alliances, multilateral bodies and regional dialogues are ill-equipped to respond to the changing balance of power, since there is no unified forum through which aspiring powers can be managed. As a result, the region’s territorial disputes have prompted arms-racing, particularly in naval arms and capabilities, as states seek to press and defend themselves against long-standing claims. The book breaks its analysis down into regions, identifying the strategic postures of competing powers in Northeast, Southeast and South Asia.