Extemal Powers And Security in The Indian Ocean: A South Asian Perspective-Syed Anwar Hussain

Description

The book considers the security of the Indian Ocean region in the context of the Indian Ocean Zone of Peace (IOZP) proposal. The discussion shows that this proposal has occasioned a controversy wherein the perceptions of extraregional and regional powers are widely divergent. While analysing these differing perceptions in conceptual and historical contexts the central theme remains a comprehension of the underlying spirit of the peace zone concept and its evolution over the years. The core part of the discussion containing many new information, juxtaposes the perceptions of U.S.A, Soviet Union and China vis-a-vis the Indian Ocean and IOZP with those of the seven South Asian nations The concluding section suggests two ways to improve the security scenario in the Indian Ocean. First, in the context of an overall improvement in superpower relations in the recent past it would be worthwhile to resume naval arms limitations, which as the study suggests, needs to be based on a demilitarization/ disarmament through transarmament paradigm. Second, South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), in co-operation with other such organizations can improve the co-operative scenario in the region.