"Geopolitics – especially in Asia – is as much an interwoven tapestry as a set of discrete power blocs. In this richly detailed and scholarly travelogue, Asanga takes the reader on a journey into the region's emerging future. This is an essential primer on Asia's evolving geopolitical order." Dr. Parag Khanna, Founder & CEO of AlphaGeo and author of The Future is Asian and Connectography-------------------------------------- “China, the US and India represent three suns in our firmament. China’s gravitational pull is already strong and will become stronger. India’s is also gaining in strength and will eventually become second to China. In a relative sense, the pre-eminence of the US in our region since the end of the Second World War is waning because of internal difficulties and geographical distance. Unlike Singapore, which is more comfortably equidistant from China and India, Sri Lanka is tied to India geographically, historically and culturally, and does not enjoy the same orbital freedom. China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean gives Sri Lanka more room for manoeuvre but it has to tread carefully. Sri Lanka has a smaller sweet spot than Singapore which is sometimes made even smaller by difficult domestic politics. Asanga’s book analyses Sri Lanka’s external and internal dilemmas starkly. It is made more real by his and his family’s entanglement with the realities of power in the country.” George Yeo – Former Foreign Minister Singapore-------------------------------------- “A timely and insightful book by Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, offering a clear-eyed assessment of external balancing, strategic patience, and long-term resilience as China, the United States, and India recalibrate their relative weight across South and Southeast Asia. His framing of the three powers is particularly compelling—capturing China’s rise as a civilizational power, India’s steady ascent, and the mounting challenges to U.S. historic primacy shaped by distance and domestic constraints. During my involvement in the Sri Lankan peace process, we always put India first, recognizing the importance of the immediate neighbor and alsoIndia as the core of south Asian civilization. Over the last two decades the rise of China has been very visible in the region, among other areas in the construction of infrastructure as roads, ports and bridges. The US still matters, but it is far away and with few direct interests. These dynamics are explored in depth in Winds of Change, which examines the rise of China as a civilizational power and how smaller states such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives, alongside India’s immediate periphery and ASEAN nations, navigate an evolving orbital order. The historical dimension is seamlessly blended with present realities through narratives drawn from regional voices and grounded field research. A masterful contribution as the region prepares for a long strategic haul." Ambassador Erik Solheim, President Europe Asia Center. Former Norwegian minister and former Undersecretary General of the UN. Chief negotiator Sri Lankan peace process.-------------------------------------- “Winds of Change is a remarkably accessible and timely exploration of the seismic shifts unfolding across South and Southeast Asia. With great clarity and depth, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera—an astute geopolitical analyst and strategic advisor—guides readers through the complex inter¬play of forces reshaping these critical regions. Drawing on three years of rigorous field research, exclusive expert interviews, and thorough docu¬mentary analysis, the book masterfully illustrates how the competing strategies of China, the United States, and India are redefining political, economic, and diplomatic realities on the ground. Abeyagoonasekera skillfully bridges historical context and contempo¬rary power rivalries, making intricate geopolitical concepts engaging and understandable. From China’s Belt and Road Initiative and India’s diplo¬matic maneuvers under Modi to America’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the delicate balancing acts of nations like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam, the narrative is both comprehensive and compelling. The focused discussion on Sri Lanka’s recent political turn and its implica¬tions offers a poignant case study in how smaller states navigate great-power competition. Organized around four coherent themes and enriched with scholarly insight and on-the-ground perspectives, Winds of Change does not merely describe challenges—it illuminates pathways and potential futures. Whether examining the theoretical foundations of geopolitics or assessing the practical dilemmas facing regional leaders, Abeyagoonasekera deliv¬ers analysis that is both nuanced and forward-looking. This book is an essential read for policymakers, academics, students, and anyone keen to understand the dynamics at the heart of the Indo-Pacific and the broader global order. I highly recommend Winds of Change for its scholarly rigor, engaging prose, and invaluable contribu-tion to one of the most pressing conversations of our time.” Dr. Zhou Zhanggui, Director of OSS International Collaboration Mechanism(Center) Research Fellow of Overseas Safety and Security Programs, NTS-PD, Zhejiang University, China, Observer and CSO member of International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA)-------------------------------------- “Prof. Abeyagoonasekera's most recent book, Winds of Change, is both insightful and important, especially for analysts, policymakers and legislators in the United States. At a time when U.S. leadership is redefining its approach to alliances, great-power competition, and hemispheric strategy, this book wisely refocuses attention on the seismic changes taking place in relations among India, China, and the United States. With 36 percent of the world’s population, India and China form the demographic core of Asia, shaping global labor markets, consumption trends, and migration patterns. Producing about 20 percent of the global GDP (28 percent in real purchasing power), the influence of India and China together is magnified in trade, manufacturing, and technology supply chains. And, with nearly one in three active-duty soldiers worldwide serving in either nuclear-armed China or India, the nature of relations between the two and with the United States will be critical to U.S. strategic goals and world peace. The future of democracy in Asia will be vitally affected by how the U.S. manages its relations with the two—a highly centralized political system and a backsliding democracy--and the countries in their overlapping orbits. As in his previous books, Abeyagoonasekera demonstrates his mastery of theory, data and ground reality as he traces the interrelations among domestic politics, international relations, and strategic objectives. His observations on Sri Lanka, which is buffeted by the crosscurrents of Sino-Indian competition, are germane for second-tier nations across the region.” Dr. Robert Boggs, retired political officer and intelligence analyst in the State Department, specializing in South Asia. Also, Professor of South Asia Security Affairs at NESA, National Defense University.-------------------------------------- “Asanga’s latest book, ‘Winds of Change’ provides a very comprehensive and incisive analysis of the changing geopolitical realities in the Indo-Pacific region. As the rivalries of the great powers engaged in the region become increasingly intense and complex, political leaders in the smaller countries are faced with complex policy challenges that will have transformative consequences in shaping the future of the region. Asanga draws upon his intimate knowledge of the region based on his professional and personal experiences, academic intellect and extensive research to contextualize and clarify the many competing policy priorities and the political dynamics that influence decision makers. This book is an excellent and illuminating read for policymakers and students as well as anyone interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding and knowledge of the Indo Pacific region.” Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Ambassador of Maldives to the United States of America-------------------------------------- “Winds of Change: Geopolitics at the Crossroads of South and Southeast Asia is a bold, intellectually ambitious, and timely intervention in contemporary geopolitical scholarship. Asanga masterfully weaves theory and realpolitik to explain how the Indo-Pacific is being reshaped by the intersecting ambitions of China, India, and the United States, with Sri Lanka emerging as a pivotal hinge state in this unfolding drama. Drawing on frameworks ranging from Spykman and Kjellén to Gramsci, the book goes beyond surface-level strategic analysis to interrogate ideology, power, and political transformation across South and Southeast Asia. Its granular examination of the Belt and Road Initiative, India–China rivalry, and domestic political crises, particularly in Sri Lanka, offers rare depth and candour. At once scholarly and provocative, this book challenges dominant narratives while grounding its arguments in regional realities. Winds of Change is essential reading for policymakers, researchers, and students seeking to understand the shifting balance of power and the future trajectory of the Indo-Pacific order.” Dr. Pramod Jaiswal, Research Director, Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement, Nepal.-------------------------------------- “What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? What is its impact on the strategies of the US and India? This is one of the best analyses of these topics. The author focused not only on the perspectives of the great powers but also on those of the recipients of the BRI. That is why the analysis is a valuable perspective for understanding the impact. The world is entering a strategic competition among multiple actors. Now is the best time to read this book.” Dr. Satoru Nagao, Fellow (Non-Resident) at Hudson Institute, USA.-------------------------------------- “The Winds of Change lays the foundation for seeking future synergies among nations, rather than old zero-sum power politics.” Jerome C. Glenn, Exec. Dir., Co-Founder, The Millennium Project, Washington, D.C., USA-------------------------------------- “I have known Asanga as a composed and perceptive colleague since our time as Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum in 2012. His unwavering dedication to advancing his nation and his steadfast integrity have long distinguished his work. Winds of Change stands as a compelling testament to conviction and courage in a period marked by complexity and transformation. With analytical rigor and unflinching candor, Asanga examines the political and geopolitical forces shaping Sri Lanka and the broader region. In doing so, he demonstrates a rare combination of intellectual depth and moral clarity — an enduring commitment to speaking truth to power, even at personal sacrifice.” Dr. Yap Kwong Weng, CEO, Vietnam SuperPort, and Head of Group Strategy, Sustainability and Communications, YCH Group-------------------------------------- “Asanga’s book vividly captures the intrigue and turbulence of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, where competing interests from India, China, and the United States create a maze of mistrust, shifting alliances, and missed opportunities. Through interviews and reflections, the narrative reveals how inconsistency and short-term survival strategies have left the country vulnerable to external pressures, with projects stalled, relationships strained, and civil society caught in the undertow of geopolitical rivalry. It is a portrait of a country struggling to find coherence amidst the weight of regional insecurities and global ambitions. By affirming that Sri Lanka’s relationships with India, China, and the United States are not about balancing but about working with each partner for the wellbeing of its people, Sri Lanka’s recently elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake has set out a path forward based on shared values and mutual benefit. “We also have shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. We don’t look at our relations with these important countries as balancing. Each of our relationships is important to us. We work with everyone, but always with a single purpose – a better world for Sri Lankans, in a better world for all.” Hopefully, Asanga’s research and political acumen can provide the basis for a foreign policy grounded in clarity, consistency and sagacity.” Dr. Jehan Perera, Executive Director, National Peace Council of Sri Lanka-------------------------------------- “Having known Asanga Abeyagoonasekera for over three years and closely followed his prolific research, I find "Winds of Change" to be a masterclass in regional strategic analysis. Abeyagoonasekera possesses a unique ability to synthesize the high-level competition between China, India, and the United States with the granular, often turbulent domestic realities of South and Southeast Asian nations. His scholarship is not merely academic; it is deeply rooted in the practical challenges of statecraft, providing a vital roadmap for understanding how 'hinge states' like Sri Lanka navigate the shifting sands of the Indo-Pacific power balance. I highly value this publication for its intellectual depth and its timely contribution to the global discourse on regional stability. At a moment when the international order is being redefined, Abeyagoonasekera offers a courageous and clear-eyed perspective that bridges the gap between theory and ground reality. This book is an indispensable resource for policymakers, scholars, and diplomats across the region who seek to transform zero-sum rivalries into opportunities for sustainable synergy and collective security.” Dr. Kin Phea, Director General, International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC), Royal Academy of Cambodia-------------------------------------- “Winds of Change: Sri Lanka’s Political Shift and Geopolitical Challenges presents a rigorous and well-substantiated analysis of Sri Lanka’s contemporary political evolution within an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Drawing upon empirical observation, policy analysis, and relevant theoretical frameworks, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera situates Sri Lanka’s internal political dynamics within broader regional and global power structures, particularly those shaping the Indo-Pacific. The work demonstrates analytical depth, methodological clarity, and a careful engagement with geopolitical realities, making it a valuable contribution to scholarship in political science, international relations, and South Asian studies. This volume will be of particular interest to academics, policy analysts, and advanced students examining state behavior, strategic competition, and political change in emerging regions.” Prof. Eugene de Silva, President – Virginia Research Institute, USA-------------------------------------- "Winds of Change completes a compelling trilogy that began with Sri Lanka at Crossroads and Conundrum of an Island. I was fortunate to review all three volumes and to observe how the author’s geopolitical analysis evolved in step with the changing contours of each historical landscape. In this volume, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera focuses on the larger region of South and Southeast Asia, examining how China and India conduct their neighbourhooddiplomacy, the strategic challenges they confront, and how surrounding states perceive and respond to Beijing and New Delhi. What distinguishes this book is the depth of its ground-level insights informed by his extensive travels and sustained engagement across the region, capturing the cultural, political, and foreign-policy discourses that shape state behaviour in the heart of evolving Indo-Pacific geopolitics. This is among the first books by a Sri Lankan scholar to examine the rise of China and India from such a vantage point — written while based in Washington, DC, yet firmly grounded in regional field experience. By living and working in the United States, the author assesses to debates on the triangular dynamics of U.S.-China-India relations brings out a novel analytical value add. He anchors his arguments by revisiting classical geopolitical thinkers such as Nicholas J. Spykman and Rudolf Kjellén, political theorists like Antonio Gramsci, and the contemporary strategic narratives, seamlessly weaving theory with praxis. The book combines academic rigour with historical sensitivity and presents an accessible narrative, translating complex geopolitical shifts into insights that resonate with specialists as also with general reader. Winds of Change is an eye-opener for policy circles in the United States, India, and China, as well as for regional research institutions, universities, and informed readers. For anyone seeking to understand how geopolitical risk reshapes the socio-political and economic fabric of nations, this book is an essential read.” Prof Swaran Singh, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-------------------------------------- “Those of us who were observing, for decades, US-India-China power confrontation which is aimed at wresting control in the Indo-Pacific region in which Sri Lanka is strategically located, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera’s most recent monograph or the scholarly-written book Winds of Change: Geopolitics at the Crossroads of South and Southeast Asia brings us additional and novel insights, and shed some light connecting Sri Lanka well into the tri-nation struggle at a time Sri Lanka has established a new administration whose political power base is radical-left, the ‘power-base’ which was vehemently opposed to US ‘imperialism’ and Indian ‘hegemonism’ in both within Sri Lanka and her surrounding Indo-Pacific region. Yet, assessing the governing style of the newly established NPP administration, it seems to have declared an ‘indiscreet’ ceasefire with both Washington and New Delhi, well suited to what Winds of Change is arguing. The thoughts that emanate through the Winds of Change are the manner in which this new radical-left-leaning JVP led NPP administration’s endeavor to steer clear of the ‘tri-nation’ conflict in leaving its radical past – that led to two nationwide insurrections in the 1970s and late 1980s – to adopt a pragmatic socio-economic-political agenda. Political observers are unable to ignore, and Winds of Change does adequately note, the ‘tri-nation’ intervention in the broader Indo-Pacific region to which the governing ‘once radical-left’ NPP is well aware when it had to engage in many ‘defense MOUs’ with India, and adopt a pragmatic posture toward Washington. Winds of Change has provided the historic background connecting to current developments in the Indo-Pacific region well encircling Sri Lankan issues, and the ‘look-out’ is: Will the ‘once-radical-left’ JVP allow the NPP administration to continue with its adopted pragmatic governing style as it is known that the Politburo of the JVP is exercising ‘some’ control over Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration of which Washington’s South Asia policymakers are well aware: the same ‘policymaking entity’ that had a covert hand in dislocating President Gotabaya Rajapaksa regime which opened the way for the emergence of the JVP-controlled NPP. What could be drawn from Wind of Change is ‘tri-nation maneuvering’ and the scenario in the Indo-Pacific region, Sri Lanka which is strategically located in the Region is unable to escape. This scenario is well connected to the ‘ceasefire’ with Washington well manifested when the JVP politburo and the governing NPP compromised to allow the JVP to unilaterally ‘declare dissatisfaction’ of the Trump administration’s ‘assault’ on Venezuela while the governing NPP continues with the ‘ceasefire.’ To anyone who reads Winds of Change between the lines, the arguments and analyses brought forth by Asanga Abeyagoonasekera on tri-nation intervention and developments in the Indo-Pacific region could bring those developments to one’s mind.” Daya Gamage, Senior Foreign Service National Political Specialist (rtd), U.S. Department of State-------------------------------------- “The book is a must read, as Asanga brilliantly captures the transformational Winds of Change sweeping at different levels, from individual to the region to the complex interplay amongst great powers. the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative is not just a physical connectivity venture, but for many countries who have partnered with China, it is an economic lifeline, a pathway to progress, though not without individual set of problems or impediments. As China seeks new economic markets and progress through the BRI, the initiative is also a learning experience for it, as it builds a space for itself on the global platform, as a mediator – yet maintaining its postures of non-interference and non-intervention. The BRI’s inclusivity, does not help participating countries overcome their individual demons – in fact in many cases enhancing them, yet there is a marked departure from the West’s transactional mindset. The author weaves a complex geopolitical and strategic reality into a wonderful articulation of personal, spiritual, political and strategic discourse, which speaks for every individual and every country facing this complex moment of geopolitical interplay. Asanga artfully describes these complexities prudently in a simple to understand way” Dr. Salma Malik, Professor of Strategic Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-------------------------------------- "This book stands out for its rare combination of strategic foresight, theoretical sophistication, and ground-level realism. I have come to appreciate since first meeting Prof. Asanga Abeyagoonasekera and through our subsequent academic and institutional collaborations. Asanga traces the shifting balance of power in South and Southeast Asia while placing Sri Lanka at the heart of competing civilisational and geopolitical currents. Winds of Change is not only an account of events, but a meditation on how smaller states struggle to preserve autonomy, dignity, and democratic space amid the ambitions of great powers." Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak (PhD, D.Phil), Chairman of Nation-Building International Institute-------------------------------------- "Winds of Change: Sri Lanka's Political Shift and Geopolitical Challenges stands as a masterfully constructed and urgently relevant examination of the tectonic forces reshaping the Indo-Pacific."-------------------------------------- Dr Zhou Zhanggui, Director OSS International Collaboration Mechanism (Center), Research Fellow of Overseas Safety and Security Programs, NTS-PD, Zhejiang University