Hot Spot: Asia and Oceania

Book excerpt: The regions of Asia and Oceania, with their many diverse peoples, massive size, and vast cultural history, have birthed some of the most critical conflicts of the modern era. From border disputes to current nuclear threats to regions still shattered by the effects of past wars, this volatile region is a key player on the world stage of global conflict. This exciting volume provides up-to-the minute coverage of the most critical situations and explosive events in the region, including internal strife in Indonesia, insurgency in southern Thailand, nuclear issues in India and Pakistan, the Tibetan revolt, the Spratly Islands dispute, and terrorist organizations such as Abu Sayeff. The conflicts are explored against the backdrop of major conflicts like the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Maps, a timeline, an index, and an annotated bibliography supplement the chapters for a greater understanding of the material. With ties to several curricular areas, including Asian studies, political science, global studies, military history, international relations, regional history and politics, this is an essential source for students of world history and global conflict.