Book excerpt: The Routledge Handbook of the South China Sea presents a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of South China Sea issues. It evaluates the dynamics of latest developments and identifying factors that contribute to dispute settlement and cooperative management regime of one of the most important seas in the world, one which not only contains rich marine resources and distinctive biodiversity but is also a critical sea route for global trade and communications. The Handbook is divided into six parts, each representing a focused area of enquiry: History and Geostrategic Landscape Sovereignty and Maritime Entitlements South China Sea Policies of Major Claimants Natural Resources and Environment Cooperation and Institutions Challenges and Prospects Written by world renowned experts and scholars, with specialisms from geography to international law, the volume's twenty-five chapters contribute interdisciplinary perspectives, reflecting the impact of how South China Sea policies are shaped by national governments and international organisations. As such, the Handbook provides an authoritative reference to South China Sea Studies, useful for students and scholars of international relations, history, maritime and Asian studies.