Maritime Geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific: Aligning and Differing Interests of Regional and Non-Regional Players

Abstract

The Asia-Pacific has special characteristics including diverse political, strategic and economic interests in its geographical aspect. The aim of the research is to examine the growing trends in maritime power politics and the struggle for dominance in the AsiaPacific region. The three methods of geoeconomics, geostrategic and geopolitical synthesis are combined in the theoretical model to serve as variables and tools for maritime power politics. Inside-out and outside-in strategies serve as a dynamic for the complex interaction of regional and supra-regional actors and stakeholders in the maritime space. This study used a hermeneutic method to understand and analyze the power dynamics of this emerging maritime region where India, Pakistan, the US and China have become important players with their national interests. The US has a range of convergence of interests with India, including elevating India to regional leadership, controlling the geopolitics of the region and countering China. Thus, the article analyzes the maritime power politics of the Asia-Pacific region and illustrates the converging and diverging interests of regional and non-regional powers in the 21st century.