Asia’s Maritime Kingdoms: How Ancient Sea Power Still Shapes Identity and Influence
A CNA Insider feature (14 Feb 2026) traces Srivijaya, Champa, Sulu and Anuradhapura to show how maritime trade, religious legitimation and engineering underpinned durable regional power. It argues these legacies persist today through living traditions and youth-led cultural reinterpretation, with implications for identity politics and soft power.