USA policy in the South China sea: An analysis from a geopolitical perspective

Abstract

This study analyzes the US policy in the South China Sea through critical geopolitics. It emphasizes the contribution of critical geopolitics to classical geopolitical studies and evaluates this emphasis on the South China Sea. While emphasizing the impact of classical geopolitical studies on regional policies, it also highlights the contributions of critical geopolitics to the regional approaches of states. The South China Sea is one of the areas where the themes of global and regional competition are intensifying. The United States, one of the important actors in this competition, has put forward important approaches to the region, especially after the Cold War. This study examines this approach from the perspective of critical geopolitics and evaluates the US view of the region under the headings of strategic geography, diplomatic history and historical geography. Through these three topics, the study demonstrates that the geopolitical view of the region cannot be limited to geographical advantages and disadvantages and discusses the US emphasis on the long- term maritime regime. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.