Leading academics from around the world, who specialize in analysing maritime strategic issues, deliberate the impact of the American ''pivot'' or ''re-balance'' strategy, and the ''Air-Sea Battle'' operational concept, on the maritime power and posture of a number of selected states. Intending to strengthen US economic, diplomatic, and security engagement throughout the Asia-Pacific, both bilaterally and multilaterally, the re-balance stands out as one of the Obama administration''s most far-sighted and ambitious foreign policy initiatives.