Fill in the blank with appropriate words:

Territorial disputes in Asia remain a ___(1)___ challenge to peace, stability, and prosperity of the region. In fact, of all interstate disputes, those over territory tend to be nearly twice as likely as other issues to lead to ___(2)___ conflict. A mix of political and economic interests, normative reasons, and competition over ___(3)___ natural resources has been suggested as drivers of conflict over disputed territories. In Asia today, geopolitical shifts, natural resources, and environmental ___(4)___ are a source of concern. The East and South China Seas are particular flashpoints that could lead to devastating ___(5)___ for the region and beyond. At the same time, the continuing trend toward integration in the region, the growing relevance of regional institutions and arrangements, and the processes of democratization are reasons to be optimistic about peaceful settlements of territorial disputes in Asia.

In a globalized world of interconnected societies and transnational threats, where borders seem to be more a geographical expression rather than demarcation of national interests, territorial disputes are here to _____(6)______ us that sovereignty still matters. Territorial disputes are disagreement over tracts of land or water that are_____(7)______by two or more independent countries. There are seventy-one unresolved territorial disputes today, involving over 40 per cent of all sovereign states. The vast majority of these disputes have_____(8)______over several decades. Historically, 50 per cent of wars between 1816 and 1992 included issues of disputed territories.

Territorial disputes are traditionally regarded as the most common sources of conflict and a vast number of scholars have_____(9)______the connection between disputed territory and the outbreak of war. Yet, it is important to emphasize that not all territorial disputes lead to war. Since 1953, ninety-seven territorial disputes have been_____(10)______through bilateral negotiations, third-party mediation, arbitration, or adjudication at the International Court of Justice. Many other disputes remain dormant.