S. Mahmud Ali studied at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and King's College, London, where he earned a doctorate in international security studies, before embarking on a career in international news media based in London. He is the author of several volumes on Asia-Pacific security issues and has, since 2010, been an Associate with the East Asia International Affairs Programme at LSE IDEAS.

• Preface.- 1 From Tacit Allies to Strategic Competitors.- 2 System Transitional Fluidity.- 3 The Asian Pivot and a New Bipolarity.- 4 Maritime Disputes: Regional Hotspots or Systemic Flashpoints?.- 5 Strategic Competition in a Globalised World.- 6 Accommodation or Annihilation?.

S. Mahmud Ali studied at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and King's College, London, where he earned a doctorate in international security studies, before embarking on a career in international news media based in London. He is the author of several volumes on Asia-Pacific security issues and has, since 2010, been an Associate with the East Asia International Affairs Programme at LSE IDEAS.

• Preface.- 1 From Tacit Allies to Strategic Competitors.- 2 System Transitional Fluidity.- 3 The Asian Pivot and a New Bipolarity.- 4 Maritime Disputes: Regional Hotspots or Systemic Flashpoints?.- 5 Strategic Competition in a Globalised World.- 6 Accommodation or Annihilation?.

S. Mahmud Ali studied at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and King's College, London, where he earned a doctorate in international security studies, before embarking on a career in international news media based in London. He is the author of several volumes on Asia-Pacific security issues and has, since 2010, been an Associate with the East Asia International Affairs Programme at LSE IDEAS.

• Preface.- 1 From Tacit Allies to Strategic Competitors.- 2 System Transitional Fluidity.- 3 The Asian Pivot and a New Bipolarity.- 4 Maritime Disputes: Regional Hotspots or Systemic Flashpoints?.- 5 Strategic Competition in a Globalised World.- 6 Accommodation or Annihilation?.