The task of avoiding in the oceans - the 'last frontier' of our planet - the claims and rivalries that have caused endless conflict on land, has thrusted the 'ocean issues' increasingly into the forefrunt of international affairs. This book examines aspects of the interrelationship of diverse interests in the seas of Southeast Asia while suggesting scope for cooperative developments that might not only benefit the region but also have wider application in the emerging multipolar world.

Water, in its many guises, has always played a powerful role inshaping Southeast Asian histories, cultures, societies and economies.This volume, the rewritten results of an international workshop, with participants from 8 countries, contains 13 essays, representing a broad range of approaches to the study of Southeast Asia with water as the central theme.

Unique combination and integrated assessment of three major fields in physical oceanography Providing both in depth scientific views and a historical overview Very prominent and reknown authors brought together