Palgrave Series in Indo-Pacific Studies – serie

As the global balance of power shifts, the US-China relationship stands at the heart of the world’s most pressing geopolitical questions. This book offers a fresh lens for understanding that relationship, spanning the dramatic arc from 1945 to 2020. Moving beyond the usual power-based explanations, it applies Role Theory to reveal how national self-conceptions—how leaders see their country’s place in the world—shape both cooperation, conflict and order. From the battlefields of Korea to Nixon’s historic handshake in Beijing, from post-Cold War accommodation to today’s mounting tensions, the book uncovers the role-driven logic behind decades of US-China interactions. Drawing on leaders’ speeches and diplomatic exchanges, it highlights how domestic politics, regime type, and security ideas mould each nation’s role on the global stage. Richly researched and sharply argued, this volume is essential reading for scholars, students, and policymakers seeking to grasp the forces redefining the Indo-Pacific order.

This book provides insight into non-conventional strategies adopted by nations across the globe for economic, political, policy, and institutional cooperation, with railways emerging as one of the non-conventional approaches. It explores how railways contribute not only to the development of the domestic economy but also shape international diplomacy between nations. The key theme that the book brings to the table is the interplay between railways and diplomacy with the support of governments and institutions, which will shed light on the influence of infrastructure on promotingpolitical cooperation through global connectivity programs. The book also offers in-depth insight into the railway systems of major international powers and their role in enhancing international trade, economic growth and regional cooperation. It explores emerging approaches that integrate modern technology and policy innovations into traditional railway frameworks, making them relevant to the dynamic global challenges. The book is intended for students, faculty, policymakers, researchers, and think tanks engaging in international relations, political economy, transport policy and planning. The book interests those interested in understanding the role of infrastructure in promoting global cooperation. Through its multidisciplinary approach, the book will provide a fresh perspective for further academic research and practical solutions for policymakers, making it an essential read for those shaping the future of global transport and connectivity

This book offers a thorough examination and analysis of key developments in the Indo-Pacific region, providing valuable insights for foreign policy professionals, academics, and researchers in geopolitics and international relations.