Edge of Competition-cover

Book Title
Edge of Competition: Disruption, Division, and Competition in the Indo-Pacific

Editor
Dr. James M. Minnich

ISBN
979-8-9992930-0-8

Disclaimer: The authors are solely responsible for the views expressed in this publication. These views do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the DKI APCSS, the U.S. DOD, or the U.S. Government. Furthermore, any reference to specific commercial products, processes, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply their endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by DKI APCSS, DOD, or the USG.

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific is no longer a region on the brink—it is the epicenter of global transformation. Edge of Competition maps the region’s fault lines, where accelerating technologies, fractured legitimacy, and intensified power rivalries redefine strategic advantage. From rocket races and nuclear posture shifts to contested sovereignty and industrial realignment, this volume offers critical insights for navigating an era of competitive multipolarity.

Foreword
Author: Major General (Ret.) Suzanne “Suzy” Puanani Vares-Lum
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Preface
Author: Dr. James M. Minnich
View preface

Chapter 1: Edges of Instability

  • Author: Dr. James M. Minnich
  • Abstract: The Indo-Pacific is gripped by systemic volatility, shaped by disruptive technologies, fractured political authority, and escalating contests for strategic advantage. This chapter lays the conceptual foundation for the volume, framing the region’s rapid transformation through the intersecting forces of disruption, division, and competition.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/RPWF3863

Chapter 2: Disruptive Risks of Globalization

  • Author: Dr. Sebastian Kevany
  • Abstract: Globalization remains foundational but increasingly generates economic exposure, political fragmentation, and asymmetric vulnerabilities. This chapter dissects how interdependence can be weaponized in a competitive multipolar order.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/SXLQ7550

Chapter 3: Peak China?

  • Author: Colonel Ryan C. Agee
  • Abstract: China’s rise shows signs of peaking as demographic decline, inefficiencies, and external resistance converge. This chapter assesses whether China’s trajectory can be sustained and what that means for global power dynamics.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/OHPN9860

Chapter 4: China’s Reusable Rocket Surge

  • Author: Elliot Joseph Fox
  • Abstract: China’s rapid progress in reusable launch technologies threatens to shift the economics, tempo, and strategic balance of global space operations. This chapter explores how space access and launch cadence are emerging as key dimensions of national power.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/QPVH3815

Chapter 5: Terrorism after the Caliphate

  • Author: Dr. Sam Mullins
  • Abstract: The collapse of the Islamic State’s territorial control has not eliminated its ideological threat. This chapter maps the evolving nature of violent extremism in the Indo-Pacific and outlines strategies for sustained counterterrorism resilience.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/WBCD2592

Chapter 6: China’s Nuclear Rise

  • Author: Dr. Bill Wieninger
  • Abstract: China is transitioning from minimal deterrence to a more credible, survivable nuclear posture. This chapter examines the implications for crisis stability, arms control, and U.S. strategic planning.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/MRCU3733

Chapter 7: Myanmar on the Edge

  • Author: Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd
  • Abstract: Myanmar’s post-coup descent into civil war and state collapse threatens regional security and humanitarian stability. This chapter argues for calibrated, values-based engagement in response to a metastasizing crisis.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/VMKS7335

Chapter 8: India’s Strategic Ascent

  • Authors: Shyam Tekwani and Saumya Sampath
  • Abstract: India is asserting strategic autonomy through deeper defense partnerships, economic modernization, and diplomatic recalibration. This chapter explores how India is positioning itself as a leading regional power amid shifting alignments.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/LFIP5711

Chapter 9: South Asia’s Strategic Edge

  • Authors: Shyam Tekwani and Saumya Sampath
  • Abstract: Small South Asian states like Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives are leveraging geographic and diplomatic positioning to shape outcomes in a contested region. This chapter shows how agency, not size, defines strategic relevance.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/CSFU4789

Chapter 10: ASEAN Leadership in Flux

  • Author: Dr. Scott D. McDonald
  • Abstract: ASEAN faces mounting pressure to evolve beyond its role as a neutral convener as strategic rivalry deepens and regional expectations grow. This chapter argues that by adopting Communities of Common Interest (CCIs), ASEAN can convert internal diversity into strategic coherence and lead in shaping a values-based regional security architecture grounded in regional agency and consensus.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/QUIS1883

Chapter 11: Pacific Small States, Big Stakes

  • Authors: Dr. Kevin D. Stringer and Madison Urban
  • Abstract: Pacific Island microstates hold disproportionate sway over maritime governance, digital infrastructure, and international legitimacy. This chapter reveals how strategic geography and multilateral leverage amplify their influence.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/NUAE3661

Chapter 12: Korea’s Strategic Clarity

  • Author: Dr. Lami Kim
  • Abstract: Caught between its security ally and its largest trading partner, South Korea has long relied on strategic ambiguity to navigate great power rivalry. Through two critical test cases—THAAD and the “Three Nos” policy—this chapter traces the limits of hedging and argues that growing geopolitical pressure, domestic sentiment, and alliance expectations are converging to make strategic clarity not only inevitable but necessary.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/GVPM8547

Chapter 13: Contesting the South China Sea

  • Author: Dr. Denny Roy
  • Abstract: Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea is intensifying resistance from regional claimants and outside powers. This chapter details how nations are responding with deterrent signaling, capacity building, and legal resilience.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/XWWP5254

Chapter 14: Safeguarding India’s Submarine Cables

  • Author: Divya Rai
  • Abstract: India’s ascent as a digital hub is anchored to fragile glass fibers on the seabed, assets now squarely in the crosshairs of gray-zone coercion. This chapter maps the vulnerabilities, exposes the legal blind spots, and delivers a twelve-point action plan that turns undersea cables from soft targets into shock-absorbing levers of Indo-Pacific power.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/QAXD6468

Chapter 15: Dissuading Sea Slavery

  • Author: Anny Barlow
  • Abstract: Modern slavery in the fishing industry persists due to fragmented governance and opaque supply chains. This chapter presents a strategic dissuasion framework that integrates maritime enforcement, financial accountability, and international law.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/FULZ4343

Chapter 16: Battlerace for Industrial Power

  • Author: Dr. Srini Sitaraman
  • Abstract: Industrial policy has reemerged as a core instrument of statecraft in the 21st century, with the United States, China, and Europe racing to secure technological dominance and supply chain resilience. This chapter contends that in a world of competitive multipolarity, industrial strategy is no longer optional; it is the bedrock of national security and geopolitical leverage.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.71236/NDGX5069

Afterword: The Edge of Advantage

  • Author: Dr. James M. Minnich
  • Abstract: Strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific will not be won through static dominance but by agile engagement at the contested edges. This concluding chapter calls for adaptive leadership, clarity of purpose, and forward-looking cooperation in an age of flux.
  • View Afterword