ABSTRACT
Struck by the “Western impact” and swallowed by it, Asia was placed under colonial rule by Western countries for several centuries. Yet, while colonial rule had seemed robust enough to last forever, it buckled all too easily under the “Eastern impact” of an invasion by Imperial Japan once World War II broke out. And in the aftermath of a war that saw a brief period of occupation by Japan and the demise of its empire, history began its resounding advance in Asia. The main melody that rang out was powered by the energy emanating from the desire to break free from colonial rule. And wherever this energy headed, it was followed by the Cold War, revolutions, armed conflicts, and hot wars all over Asia.
