ABSTRACT

This fully revised fourth edition of Michael Yahuda's successful textbook brings the subject up-to-date, introducing students to the international politics of the Asia-Pacific region since 1945. As well as assessing the post-cold War uncertainties that challenged balance and power with the region, the book also examines the first two decades of the new millennium, which includes no let up on the 'war on terror', new political administrations in all the key player-states and increased cooperative security between some nations, polarised by volatile relationships between others. Analyzing politics in terms of global, regional and local trends, this new edition features:

  • Discussion and evaluation of the Trump Presidency and its implications for the Asia-Pacific region
  • Analysis of Japan’s more assertive foreign policy
  • Examination of the continued Rise of China under Xi Jinping in terms of politics, security, economic dominance and territorial conflicts in the region
  • Ongoing debates concerning the 'war on terror' and how this shifts, forms and reforms relationships
  • Explanation of how America’s war’s in the greater Middle East and the financial crash of 2008 undermined the American led international order.

This new fourth edition will continue to be a core text for students of Asian politics, international relations and Cold War history.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

chapter 3|41 pages

From unipolarity to uncertainty

1991–2018

chapter 5|44 pages

China

The ascent to global economic, political and military influence

chapter 6|40 pages

Japan

Re-emergence after a long decline

chapter 7|15 pages

DPRK and ROK

Issues of identity

chapter 9|22 pages

Southeast Asia

America’s relative decline and China’s rise

chapter 10|10 pages

Conclusion

Looking ahead