Synopsis This book is the inaugural volume of the Indian Ocean Research Group (IORG) and is based on a selection of papers presented at the IORG launch in Chandigarh in November 2002. The volume seeks to emphasize the complexity and historical and contemporary geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Second, it aims to propagate the necessity for increased intra-regional cooperation, especially in terms of economic and environmental security, maritime boundaries, sea lane security and ocean management, in the spirit of open regionalism, in order to ensure a more secure IOR. Third, the volume initiates an agenda for future social science policy-oriented research. The book should be of particular interest to policy-makers, business people and academics, as well as citizens of the IOR.