Introduction

This chapter deals with different interpretations of the origins and development of the Cold War in East Asia. It explores new historiographical, thematic, and topical trends in the history of modern East Asia. Told with an emphasis on Asian views, it explains how these countries, changed and transformed forever, have survived the Cold War and intermeshed to establish the nations that have entered the modern world. The chapter focuses on important events in East Asia through the Cold War and braids together the global power struggle and local revolutions, reforms, and wars, which affected the lives of hundreds of millions of people. It provides a comprehensive source on the Cold War in East Asia and includes general coverage of ideologies from classic Confucianism in 2500 BC to current communism and nationalism. The chapter addresses critical views of on-going issues, such as energy crisis, nuclear threats, poverty, human rights, and environmental protection.