The South China Sea: The Troubled Waters in a Troubled World
South China Sea is one of the seas in the list of oceans and seas in Southeast Asia and East Asia or the Far East. There are in fact as many as 29 seas and many significant gulfs and straits in these regions. Why is the issue of South China Sea dominating the headlines of the world news? What is the issue with the South China Sea? Why is it contentious? What causes it to be the sea of conflict? Why is the South China Sea so important for some countries? Why is it important to resolve the issue? – These are some of the questions we can take up together. I would also like to link up with the current pandemic issue towards the end of the talk so as to try and see whether some countries could ultimately capitalize the situation as China continues to see a new wave of xenophobia. Could the rising tension in the South China Sea spark off a war between the world superpowers is perhaps going to be at the heart of the talk. The talk will fundamentally focus on the relations of three countries – China, United States of America and Japan which are both economic and military powers and the claims and complaints of the smaller and less influential Southeast Asian countries in world politics. It will delve into the history of the conflict up to the flexing of military muscles by all these great powers over the issue and the need for deterrence and pacific settlement of the dispute. Could the rising tensions in the South China Sea spark off a war between the world superpowers is perhaps going to be at the heart of the talk.
About the speaker:
Dr. Rimmei Longmei is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science of Tetso College, Dimapur. Before joining Tetso College he was heading the Department of Political Science of St. Anthony’s College, Bydihati Campus. He has over 15 years of teaching experience (2004-2019). He earned his PhD in 2016 from the Department of Political Science of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. His PhD work enquired into the Role of United Naga Council in Manipur Politics and also studied the claims and counter-claims politics of different ethnic communities in the Northeast. His other research interest areas include Emerging Issues in World Politics, Politics and Relations Among Nations, International Organizations, Contemporary Political Theory and Thought, National Security Issues, Indian Administration, Public Administration, Comparative Government and Politics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, Women and Politics, International law and Human Rights. Also, Dr. Rimmei Longmei is one of the proud recipients of 100% or Perfect Attendance Award given by the Tetso College to Teachers and Students. He was also awarded for the best performance of his students securing distinction in the last Nagaland University examinations.