Spratly Island Grouping Scenario
Scenario:
In the Spratly Island grouping, 92 of approximately 150 land features have remained unoccupied—until now. In waters claimed by China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, six Chinese fishermen have just drowned after their vessel was sunk by the Vietnamese Coast Guard. China has responded by landing marines on some of the previously unoccupied features in the vicinity. Vietnam has reacted in kind, occupying six additional features. Taiwan and the Philippines not wanting to be left behind are planning to grab some new islets as well. All the claimants are suspicious of one another, but Sino-Vietnamese relations are particularly tense, and intelligence reports have estimated with high confidence that an armed clash is likely to occur within the next month.
Question:
Using three or more concepts and assumptions of your assigned IR perspective (realism, liberalism, or constructivism), describe the major elements of the scenario. Describe at least three relevant impacts of the scenario on US national interests.
Note:
For your three required posts you must use and cite selected readings in Lesson 1, International Relations Schools in Practice.