ABSTRACT

Introducing East Asia is an ideal textbook for those new to the study of one of the most exciting and important regions in the world. East Asia is a complex and culturally rich region, with the Chinese, Korean and Japanese civilizations among the oldest in the world. Over the past 50 years, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China have become economic powerhouses and leaders in the commercialization of science and technology. The countries are economically and culturally intertwined while at the same time burdened by a history of war and conflict. This textbook focuses on the historical and cultural roots of the contemporary political and economic ascendency of East Asia and explores the degree to which East Asian cultures, values and history set up the region for 21st century global leadership.

Features in this textbook include:

• Chapters on each of the countries and special economic zones that make up the region.

• Rich illustrations and timelines to guide the student visually.

• Focused textboxes on key figures and events, useful as research assignment and revision materials.

Providing undergraduate students with a solid introduction to East Asia, this textbook will be an essential reading for students of East Asian studies, global studies and international studies.

chapter 1|4 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|49 pages

China (People’s Republic of China)

chapter 3|46 pages

Japan

chapter 4|42 pages

The Korean Peninsula

South Korea (Republic of Korea) and North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)

chapter 5|19 pages

Taiwan (Republic of China)

chapter 8|11 pages

Connections and commonalities in East Asia

chapter 10|12 pages

21st-century political economy in East Asia

National science, technology and innovation strategies

chapter 11|7 pages

East Asia in the 21st century