In Robert D. Kaplan's book "Asia's Cauldron: The South China Sea and the End of a Stable Pacific," he discusses the contrasting geographical identities of Europe and East Asia. He portrays Europe as a land-based landscape, emphasizing its historical characteristics as a continent shaped by borders and land conflicts. In contrast, he describes East Asia as a seascape, indicating its reliance on maritime routes and the sea's significant role in shaping regional dynamics and interactions.

This distinction highlights a fundamental shift in international relations from the twentieth to the twenty-first century. As East Asia increasingly engages with and asserts its influence over maritime territories, the dynamics in the Pacific are evolving. Kaplan suggests that understanding these geographical perspectives is crucial for grasping the complexities of contemporary politics and the potential conflicts that arise from this seascape environment.