The Indian Ocean and the superpowers: Economic, political and strategic perspectives
This book provides an analysis of the evolution of superpower strategy and interests in the Indian Ocean. It argues that the priorities of the United States and the Soviet Union are to safeguard their own economic, strategic and security interests by containing local conflicts, controlling arms escalation and obtaining bases. Each has promoted a network of dependency relationships to which they act as patrons, providing security and certain commitments in return for trade, resources and profit. This book argues that, although there are potential points of conflict, military deployment by the superpowers should be seen less in terms of global rivalry than in the context of each power's stakes in the area-requiring the presence of naval forces as a deterrent and a symbol of power. With the changes of the last five years creating an even more unstable political environment there is likely to be an increase in extraregional naval deployment. This book argues that this will not necessarily lead to a greater risk of confrontation between the superpowers but that their need to 'police' their interests may mean a greater frequency of intervention in local crises.
- OSTI ID:
- 6256008
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
INDIAN OCEAN
MILITARY STRATEGY
ARMS CONTROL
ECONOMICS
GEOGRAPHY
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
SHIPS
USA
USSR
ASIA
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
NORTH AMERICA
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
WEAPONS
350000* - Arms Control- (1987-)
290200 - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology