Asian Imperative, The

MWSA Review

A novel that could become tomorrow’s headlines.

 The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) covets the South China Sea, its fishery, and the riches under its seabed. Japan, the Republic of China, the Republic of the Philippines, the Socialists Republic of Vietnam, and other nations boarding the sea have territorial claims on sections of it; sections now being claimed by the PRC. This is a recipe for disaster, and the basis for this novel.

The author weaves a complicated, complex, and condensed story allowing the reader to view how governments make decisions, prepare alternative plans, and attempt to avoid a head on collision that would lead to war. A hands-on president balances the advice of his advisors, each approaching the event from a different perspective, while attempting to understand the motives of key players with opposing ambitions in foreign governments.

Weapons, ships, military engagements, spies and diplomacy, this story has all of this and more. 

The author introduces Commander Mike Rohraugh, a SEAL, and lays the groundwork for future Mike Rohraugh adventures.

Reviewed by: Lee Boyland (2015)

Author's Summary

The fragile peace in the Spratly Islands is shattered when rogue elements of the Chinese navy seize a Filipino fishing vessel. This seemingly insignificant event sweeps US President Randall Stuart and Navy SEAL, Mike Rohrbaugh into the vortex of an escalating crisis in Southeast Asia. This crisis is driven by territorial ambitions and the quest for billions of barrels of crude oil hidden beneath the waters of the South China Sea. Stuart must contend with America's waning power in Asia when the Peoples Liberation Army challenges the US Navy. He authorizes a clandestine special ops mission to confront the threat of Chinese cruise missiles, risking any chance for a peaceful resolution of the crisis and the possibility of war if Rohrbaugh's team is captured.