Includes bibliographical references (pages 233-250) and index.

Settings and Issues -- The Historical Context -- Countries and Peoples -- Political Economy -- Asian Security : Implications for the Region and the World -- Asian Cultures and Belief Systems -- Asian Societies and Social Systems -- Asian Politics and Political Cultures -- Governance -- Asia and the World -- An Asian Century?

"For the first time in the modern era, Asia is not dominated by an outside power and contains within it three nations of global significance. Is this the Asian Century? How will tensions between the US and China shape global politics? Covering Asian governance, culture, and society, this book introduces: the demography and geography of major nations; key economic developments including the Asian economic miracle; rapid expansion of military spending in the region; and the question of 'Asian values'. With further reading suggestions and discussion questions for every chapter, this is essential introductory reading for students of Asian Studies"-- Provided by publisher.