Naval arms dynamics and international tensions in the Asia pacific.

Abstract

This academic exercise studies the naval arms dynamics in Asia Pacific and its effect on international tensions. Given the increasing tensions in the region over the disputed maritime territories and the influx of increasingly sophisticated and numerous naval weapon systems, the paper seeks to investigate the extent to which naval procurements have led to worsening ties in the region.

Research findings indicate an intensification of the current naval arms dynamics in which the existing "arms competition" is evolving into an "arms race". While the intensification of naval arms dynamic coincided with the increase in tensions in 2010, it fails to explain a similar rise in tension in 2005. The paper concludes that alliance politics is behind the rise of regional tensions.