Includes bibliographical references (page 17)

The concern of this discussion paper is understanding the points of conflict that Asia is most likely to
face as a region. ‘Flashpoint’ is the central concept of analysis in looking at geographical areas
where there is potential for sudden and violent conflict to erupt. This paper is guided by three
main questions. First, how likely is a major power war to erupt in Asia today? Second, if conflict
erupts, where is it most likely to originate? Third, and most importantly, what can be done to
prevent major power conflict breaking out in Asia? It argues that different methods are needed for
the management of these flashpoints. Yet while each of the flashpoints are distinct and different,
it could also be argued that there must be efforts to try to anticipate how conflict might erupt in
Asia, particularly among major powers. A necessity exists to understand the subtle differences
and the interconnections between these flashpoints considering the risk for conflict.