South Korea has been quietly growing into a major economic force, even challenging Japan in some industries. This growth may be seen as an example of "late industrialization" and this book discusses this point.

Since the late 1970s a number of regional developments have impacted upon South Korea’s political and economic standing in Asia. China’s spectacular growth and closer integration with its neighbouring economies, along with a tendency toward more assertive political and diplomatic activity, have deeply altered both the economic and political East Asian environment. Simultaneously, the 1997-98 financial crisis catalysed a process of increased regional co-operation in East Asia. China’s rise has imposed a leadership problem that may constitute a major obstacle on the road to deeper regional integration, as well as add force to the need for collective action, and it is this paradox that may give South Korea a key role in the reorganization of the region. Moreover, inter-Korean relations and Korea’s future security environment may also feel the effects of the rise of China. Korea in the New Asia seeks to analyze to what extent and how South Korea may contribute to, and take advantage of, the new regional configuration in East Asia. The book represents the first study to address Korea’s regional policy responses to the rise of China as an economic power and the regional economic integration of East Asia. Written by an international team of experts, this multidisciplinary study will appeal to researchers, academics and students with an interest in international relations, security studies, economics and East Asian politics. .

The world's economic center is increasingly shifting from North America and Europe to Asia. This timely guide will provide businesspeople with the knowledge and understanding necessary to remain competitive—and proactive—in that brave new world. To help readers better grasp the causes and effects of the ongoing tectonic shift in economic power, this book examines the 16 nations driving the explosive economic growth of Asia. It shows readers how to apply a "Five Factors" analysis to predict which Asian countries and industries will experience the most vibrant economic growth in coming years—and which will present the greatest risks for international businesses. It then goes a step further, offering insights and strategies that will help businesses assess opportunities in Asia and achieve success there in the years ahead. To help readers make those judgments, this comprehensive, practical resource includes insightful descriptions of the value systems, business practices, customs, and social characteristics of Asia and of individual Asian nations. It also exposes the intra-regional relationships of Asian countries that contribute to, or undermine, their individual economic potential and that of the region as a whole.

DIVThe current place of Marxism in Asian and Asian Studies thinking./div

The 21st century has seen an increase in the presence and influence of Asian governments, firms and other stake-holders in Africa. With the changing times, changes in approaches to Africa by four major Asian countries (China, India, Japan and South Korea) have taken place. By tracing the history between these Asian countries and African countries, this collection reflects on the “new” phases of Asian Approaches to Africa. Composed by authors who are not only experienced expert scholars of African Studies, but also prominent specialists on African policies of Asian countries, this collection focuses on the official development assistance (ODA) as well as other crucial issues and actors such as business, civil society, and media to explore the new Asian approaches to Africa in a comprehensive manner. Organised into three sections, this collection explores the experiences of the “forums” (conferences, or summits) for Africa’s development hosted by four major Asian countries, reflects on Asian cultural influence in Africa, and highlights new phases of Asian approaches to Africa. This book looks to the future collaboration of Asian actors/ partners working in/ with Africa, rather than exaggerating rivalries and disputes in order to grasp the potentialities and challenges in the relationship between the two regions; an emerging and ongoing agenda that we will encounter further in the coming years. This book will be of interest to students, researchers and professors in universities, as well as research institutes on Asian and African Studies. It will also be of value to journalists, and government officials; particularly diplomats.

The newly industrializing countries (NICs) of East Asia have undergone rapid economic expansion over the past twenty vears. Unlike NICs elsewhere in the Third World, those in the Pacific basin-South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong-have managed to achieve almost full employment, a relatively egalitarian distribution of income, and the virtual elimination or poverty. In this collection of essays, nine development specialists explore the Asian NICs' exceptional ability to capitalize on the favorable economic environment of the 1960s and then to adapt flexibly to worsening conditions in the 1970s and 1980s.