Book Description

Asian countries are undergoing rapid political, economic and social transformations; meanwhile, there is a growing demand for knowing more about Asia. This Major Reference Set is designed to help general readers as well as specialists to have a good grasp of the latest developments in Asia in the key areas of economic growth, trade, energy, environment, foreign policy and security.With 4 volumes, this set covers all major dimensions of Asia's political economy. Contributors include both scholars and practitioners who provide first-hand description and analysis of fundamental issues in Asia.Peace and political stability are of ultimate importance, with Asia at the forefront of wealth creation in the global economy. Volume 1 unpacks and examines the foreign policy strategies of key states and the role of regional institutions in responding to the security demands of an Asian century.Volume 2 studies the strong economic integration through trade and cross-border investment that has been essential to Asia. The region's future prosperity depends on it being able to remain open and outward-looking. As Asia grows larger and richer, more concerted efforts are required to surmount regional rivalry and to further strengthen the regional architecture of economic cooperation.Volume 3 looks at the emerging economies' thirst for energy that creates huge competition, around which domestic, regional, and international political economy unfolds. Climate change and aspiration for sustainable development further complicate the challenge.Volume 4 offers a comprehensive coverage of subjects on environment and sustainable development in Asia with case studies of selected and representative countries that are at different stages of economic development and facing different environment-related problems and challenges in the twenty-first century.This interdisciplinary set is a fine example of international cooperation, with contributors hailing from different parts of Asia as well as North America and Europe. It is a must-have for anyone keen on understanding Asia's dynamic and changing scene.