Recommending Books for Purchase (Bulletin 103 - Aug 2020): International Relations

On 11 April 2016, Timor-Leste initiated a compulsory non-binding conciliation proceeding against Australia under Annex V of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on its maritime boundary dispute with Australia in the Timor Sea. On 6 March 2018, the parties signed a settlement treaty on the basis of the proposal of the Conciliation Commission. Two months later, the Conciliation Commission issued its report, marking the conclusion of the first ever conciliation proceeding under Annex V of UNCLOS.This book provides detailed analyses of the proceedings and a step-by-step account of the conciliation process, as well as its wider implications for dispute settlement under UNCLOS and beyond. The various chapters explore a wide range of issues, including an overview of conciliation as a means of dispute settlement and the conciliation procedure in UNCLOS, as well as the origins and historical background of the maritime boundary dispute between Timor-Leste and Australia. The book also provides a comprehensive examination of each step of the conciliation proceedings, including the role of the Conciliation Commission, the Conciliation Commission's Decision on Competence, the issue of joint development, and the Maritime Boundaries Treaty, which Timor-Leste and Australia concluded as the legal outcome of the conciliation proceedings. Critically, the book offers insightful perspectives from Australia and Timor-Leste on the conciliation process. The book is an important contribution to the research and analysis of the Timor Sea conciliation. As one of the first books on the case, it will raise awareness and bring more familiarity with conciliation as a viable and effective dispute settlement process, thereby encouraging states to consider conciliation as a means to settle their disputes.

eBook Price : $40

This book explains the origin and historical development of North Korean nuclear weapon dated from the aftermath of World War II. The story of North Korea's nuclear program began when the United States dropped atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 which led to Japan's immediate defeat. Surprised by the speed of Japan's surrender, North Korea's founding leader Kim Il-sung vowed to secure nuclear capability to avoid suffering the fate of its eastern neighbor. Based on the author's extensive experience in the academia, government, and intelligence circles, the book traces how the nuclear program has evolved since and explores wide-ranging issues including the positive function of nuclear weapon in Pyongyang's local politics, the history of negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang, the prospects of denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula, the diplomatic and military options presented to US President Donald Trump in dealing with the nuclear threat, and the future scenarios of the North Korean regime and the possibilities of a reunified Korea.With the nuclear weapon crisis likely to persist in the foreseeable time, is it feasible for South Korea to achieve reunification in the Korean Peninsula? Will the six-party members like the US, China, Russia and Japan agree with reunification without denuclearization? Can the issues of nuclear weapon and unification be settled simultaneously in the future? The book seeks to address these questions and more.

eBook Price : $98

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore and Israel's long and fruitful relationship. From Jewish contributions to the economic, political and social development of early and modern-day Singapore, to current-day collaborations between both countries in the fields of science and technology, the Lion City and the Start-up Nation have forged strong and indelible bonds. Written by eminent Singaporeans and Israelis, the articles in this volume trace the growth and development of Singapore-Israel bilateral ties over the past five decades and celebrate the mutually beneficially relationship between the two countries.

eBook Price : $48

This book examines debates in Europe and Southeast Asia on issues pertaining to multiculturalism, migration and citizenship. Based on empirical cases in the two regions, the book explores the practices as well as the myths and misconceptions surrounding multiculturalism. Contributions to the book also highlight examples of policies balancing the interests of different cultures in society.With migration as a key issue confronting both European and Southeast Asian societies, there frequently is a discourse about migrants posing a 'threat' to national security, economic welfare, democratic citizenship and identity. Such negative attitudes towards migrants are further fuelled by the hardening of identity politics, political polarisation and populism, as well as the rise of intolerance and racism.Providing insights from qualitative, in-depth research and largely applying a comparative approach, the contributions to this book demonstrate the varied approaches adopted by European and Southeast Asian societies in accommodating and managing diversities and differences.

eBook Price : $68