Analyzes the core causes of the dispute over territorial claims in the South China Sea, which separates some of the world's fastest-growing economies. Starting with the question of access to the billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas presently thought to lie beneath the region's territorial waters and islands, Daniels contextualizes the race for resources and military dominancy within the rapid growth in the domestic demand for electricity and the increased industrial output of the regional players.

Background and history of the South China Sea dispute -- The South China Sea and the global oil and natural gas industry -- Economic significance of nations of the South China Sea -- China's increased naval power and aspirations for regional dominance -- U.S. involvement and interest in the South China Sea -- Conclusion and policy recommendations -- Appendix A: Timeline of key events -- Appendix B: Key people and institutions -- Appendix C: International treaties involving nations in the South China Sea region -- Appendix D: Acronyms and abbreviations -- Appendix E. South China Sea maps.