A New Energy Frontier : the Bay of Bengal Region

The region comprising the countries around and in the proximity of the Bay of Bengal has remained relatively unexplored for energy. Following a few major discoveries of oil and natural gas, it is now becoming promising even as the energy requirements of a combined population exceeding 1.5 billion are growing exponentially. Here, the opportunities for regional cooperation are immense in a number of fields — production of oil and gas, their transportation, trading in energy, and production facilities for renewable energy. New initiatives are necessary to fully tap their potential.This region is indeed a new energy frontier which has only recently been discovered. No doubt major challenges will need to be overcome. Common stakes and growinginterdependence should, however, make it possible for the countries of the region to cooperate in the plans and programmes on energy.

From China to Facebookistan, the Internet has transformed global commerce. A cyber-law expert argues that we must free Internet trade while simultaneously protecting consumers.

On the ancient Silk Road, treasure-laden caravans made their arduous way through deserts and mountain passes, establishing trade between Asia and the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Today’s electronic Silk Roads ferry information across continents, enabling individuals and corporations anywhere to provide or receive services without obtaining a visa. But the legal infrastructure for such trade is yet rudimentary and uncertain. If an event in cyberspace occurs at once everywhere and nowhere, what law applies? How can consumers be protected when engaging with companies across the world?

In this accessible book, cyber-law expert Anupam Chander provides the first thorough discussion of the law that relates to global Internet commerce. Addressing up-to-the-minute examples, such as Google’s struggles with China, the Pirate Bay’s skirmishes with Hollywood, and the outsourcing of services to India, the author insightfully analyzes the difficulties of regulating Internet trade. Chander then lays out a framework for future policies, showing how countries can dismantle barriers while still protecting consumer interests.

The region comprising the countries around and in the proximity of the Bay of Bengal has remained relatively unexplored for energy. Following a few major discoveries of oil and natural gas, it is now becoming promising even as the energy requirements of a combined population exceeding 1.5 billion are growing exponentially. Here, the opportunities for regional cooperation are immense in a number of fields-production of oil and gas, their transportation, trading in energy, and production facilities for renewable energy. New initiatives are necessary to fully tap their potential. This region is indeed a new energy frontier which has only recently been discovered. No doubt major challenges will need to be overcome. Common stakes and growing interdependence should, however, make it possible for the countries of the region to cooperate in the plans and programmes on energy A collection of papers originally presented at a Conference on Energy and Energy Related Issues in the Bay of Bengal Region, 28–29 September 2006, Singapore, organized by ISEAS.Power resources—Bengal, Bay of—Congresses.Energy development—Bengal, Bay of—Congresses.Energy industries—Bengal, Bay of—Congresses.Renewable energy sources—Bengal, Bay of—Congresses