ANDĚLOVÁ, Petra et al. Dálný východ v politice

1st ed. Prague: Metropolitan University Prague Press, 2015. ISBN 978-80-87956-33-5

The aim of this publication is to map and analyze the most important current issues in the Indo-Pacific region in 2013, 2014 and first half of 2015. Political changes (elections in Indonesia, India and Cambodia; military coup in Thailand) have had a large impact on the whole region. The new Indian Prime Minister as well as the newly elected Indonesian President signalize that nationalism and push for a change are new trends in the region. Unresolved issues of history as the case of comfort women shows seem to be another important factor of politics and approaches in relations among states of the region. Kuril Island have also been a bone of contention between Russia and Japan for more than one century and their emotional value for both sides is more important than their material one. In addition, the Kurils have been the main reason, why in fact the Second World War has not ended between Russia and Japan.

In addition, a scramble for resources has long ago spilled to the seas and is clearly visible (not only) in the revitalized disputes in the South and East China Seas. Even though we picked up the hottest cases (the Philippines versus China, Vietnam versus China, Japan versus China) not all territorial and border disputes have to be solved with violence as the case of the Preah Vihear shows. Not only seas changed into a political battleground, the same could be said about fresh water resources: glaciers in the Himalayas and Mekong river. Development in Hong Kong caught up attention of international press and recent student demonstrations against Beijing-leaning policy is another hot spot on the map of Asia, which will probably have a great impact on the future of this former British colony. Last but not least, one chapter is also dedicated to the position of the Rohingya, probably the most persecuted people on Earth, and escalation of religious tensions in the mentioned region.