Background and history of the South China Sea dispute -- The South China Sea and the global oil & natural gas industry -- Economic significance of nations of the South China Sea -- China's increased naval power and aspirations for regional dominance -- U.S. involvement and interest in the South China Sea -- Conclusion and policy recommendations -- Appendix A: Timeline of key events in South China Sea dispute -- Appendix B: Key people and institutions in the South China Sea region -- Appendix C: Key international treaties involving nations in the South China Sea region -- Appendix D: List of acronyms -- Appendix E. South China Sea maps.
