ABSTRACT
This text has examined the development and dynamics of the EU-East Asia economic relationship at various levels of analysis. It has studied how the bilateral, inter-regional and multilateral dimensions of EU-East Asia economic diplomacy have evolved to their current state, considering both its promotive and defensive aspects. The growth in economic exchange between the two regions has also been analysed, from which we have seen how the commercial interests and linkages of European and East Asian firms have become increasingly interdependent. It has been shown how developments at the sub-state, state and regional level have brought their own influence to bear upon EU-East Asia economic relations. Finally, this text has considered different IPE theoretical perspectives on syntheses of the above to enhance an understanding of the substantive issues covered by each chapter. The main aim of this concluding chapter is to reflect on the future prospects of the EU-East Asia economic relationship. This entails a discussion on those factors most likely to determine the path of this relationship as the twenty-first century proceeds.
