'Short unpacks U.S.-China strategic competition in the South China Sea without overlooking the agency of Southeast Asian players. By exploring the strategies and "imaginaries" of all involved, he makes an important contribution to the management of one of the world's most difficult disputes.' Gregory Poling Director, Southeast Asia Program & Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative 'The South China Sea issue has had multiple commentaries written about it. Yet John Rennie Short gives us a nuanced perspective that explores the different sides of the issue. Even as he acknowledges the dominant context of the US-China dynamic in the issue, he emphasizes the drive for autonomy of other states whose interests in the issue are largely framed by most observers in terms of the former. This is what students and observers of the issue gain from reading Dr.

Short's book - a perspective that emphasizes the reality that the geopolitical space that is the South China Sea is shared by the US-China competition with states in the region which seek to assert their interests and have it recognized by the great powers. The Thucydides Trap is not just about the incumbent power seeking to contain a rising power, it is also about the small states seeking to survive being forced to take sides.' Herman Joseph S. Kraft Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.