Nilanthi Samaranayake has produced a usable, insightful, and compact primer on the small states of South Asia that skillfully integrates country expertise, theory, and policy considerations. Scholars, students, and policymakers can draw on the sophisticated structure and insights to go beyond standard big power treatments of South Asia.

Satu Limaye, President and CEO, The America + Asia Project (TAAP), USA

As the Indian Ocean Region grows in strategic importance, this book makes an invaluable contribution by shifting attention beyond the region's major powers. Through an ambitious and systematic comparison of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Samaranayake makes a compelling case for understanding these countries on their own terms, including the distinctive strengths and motivations that conventional approaches often overlooked. Few scholars are as well-qualified as Samaranayake to undertake this task. Addressing a significant gap in scholarly and policy analysis, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in Indian Ocean security, strategy, and the role of smaller powers.

Rebecca Strating, Professor of International Relations, La Trobe University, Australia

Nilanthi Samaranayake deserves credit for focusing squarely on what many consider as the 'fly-over' countries of South Asia-Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. While doing so, she highlights the role and often the hubris of the so-called great powers and, more importantly, the agency of these countries. This seminal book, based on years of research, is a must-read for policymakers and those interested in South Asia and the dynamics of great power relations.

Anit Mukherjee, Director, Carnegie India, New Delhi, India

This superb analysis of South Asian navies focuses on the neglected forces of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. These are important elements in the region's strategic calculus, that are too often focused solely on India and Pakistan. The author, Nilanthi Samaranayake, presents a clearly written and notable description analyzing the maritime situation of this important area. Samaranayake's work provides a useful 'real world' practicality, and is a must-read for maritime strategists, historians, and policy makers.

Bernard D. Cole, Professor Emeritus of Sino-American Relations and Maritime Strategy, National War College, USA

Written by a leading expert on small South Asian states, this solidly researched analysis of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka is an important resource for policymakers, scholars, and students seeking knowledge of South Asia and the challenges and opportunities of small states in a changing international order.

Anders Wivel, Professor of International Relations, University of Copenhagen, Denmark