The South China Sea War by Frederick M. Banker

The War No One Should Want

Frederick Banker Proves Peace Is Possible in Debut Book, The South China Sea War

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN — It was the philosopher George Santayana who first coined the adage, “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.”

It’s only been 35 years since the fall of the Iron Curtain ended The Cold War, however. Since then, the United States and China have been preparing for the next major conflict, likely surrounding China’s claims to Taiwan (with which it plans to reunite, even through use of force) and its goal to become a global superpower prior to 2050.

Tensions between the two nations have also been on the upswing in recent years—headlined by China’s growing military and an increased U.S. presence in southeast Asia—further stoking widespread fear about the implications of war in the South China Sea.

Per Michigan author Frederick Banker, such a conflict could be imminent, if we allow it; but it could also just as easily be avoided. It’s this message he proposes in his debut book, The South China Sea War: The War No One Should Want.

“I hope people take away [an understanding] that peace can be achievable,” he said. “Tensions with China are high, so we have to create an environment where peace is the only option.”

Cultivating Peace

As a Ferris State University graduate, where he studied both history and political science, Banker noted that he’s been passionate about Asian history since childhood. More recent news of the Chinese coast guard bullying Filipino naval vessels in their own waters, however, was the spark that ignited his research of Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

“The more research I did, the more motivated I was to write a book focusing on China’s actions in the region,” he said.

It’s through peace, however, not war (which the United States has helped maintain since the mid-1940s) that numerous southeast Asian countries have developed flourishing economies and vital infrastructure. Meanwhile, issues like contested territories and access to natural resources add another layer of complexity.

In other words, “Peace has provided southeast Asia more than what a war could provide,” Banker said, especially in contrast to the ongoing bloodshed of modern conflicts like those in the Middle East and Ukraine.

A key step toward preserving that peace is cultivating an informed population.

Per Banker, this starts with a healthy dose of geopolitical pragmatism (and reading more nonfiction!).

“I’m hopeful that my book will reach [more] people,” he added. “I want it to be a guide on how to curb aggression in a nation and [provide] an optimistic view of the future.”

The Author

Frederick Maxwell Banker is a historical and political science writer who graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree with a major in history and a minor in political science in 2022. Frederick has been writing the book The South China Sea War: The War No One Should Want for two years.

Frederick enjoys reading books and producing videos for his YouTube channel, @FrederickBanker.

The Book

The South China Sea War: The War No One Should Want

Frederick M. Banker

328 pages, 6”x 9”, B/W

Political Science, History, International Relations / Diplomacy

ISBN: 978-1-968761-56-1, $26.95 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-968761-57-8, $19.95 (Softcover)

Mission Point Press, August 6, 2026

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org and Amazon. On its August 6, 2026, publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at fmb123123@gmail.com.