This book takes account of the global financial crisis from Asian perspectives, considering Asian responses to the crisis via two key arenas - regionalism in Asia and the G20. The expert contributors - both Asian and Western - illustrate that as G20 members, many Asian countries are now able to showcase their increasing powers and influence on global issues. Within this context, and via multidisciplinary economic and political science perspectives, the book deals with various issues such as World System analysis, the debate between the Washington Consensus and the Beijing Consensus, roles within the G20, and the contribution of 'middle' powers such as Korea and Australia. The application of European experiences to Asia is also considered, as are perspectives from the US. The book concludes that the key to resolving the current global economic crisis lies in how quickly a new global governance and monitoring system can be constructed, and that there are multiple roles for Asian countries to play in its development. Written with a uniquely multidisciplinary approach, this book will prove a fascinating read for a wide-ranging audience encompassing academics, students, researchers and policymakers in a number of fields including Asian studies, economics, public policy and regional studies. Contributors: E.K.Y. Chen, R. Higgott, D. Hundt, G. Kim, P. Kim, T. Kim, Y. Kim, J. Ma, W. Moon, T. Nakajima, W. Pan, J. Park, T.J. Pempel, S. Quirk, L. Tian, I. Wallerstein, G. Xiao, J. Yang, L. Yongtao, D.R. Yoon

The prospects and value of economic integration and regionalism in Asia are increasingly evident in what could turn out to be 'the Asian Century'. It is within this context that this important book explores the critical economic issues, security concerns and political themes pertinent to Asia in general, and to East Asia in particular. The book features contributions by both Asian and Western scholars who take an interdisciplinary approach encompassing economics, political science and culture. They address various issues including the application of European experiences to Asia, and blend regional country perspectives with broader external views from Russia and the US. In conclusion, the book suggests a tentative road map and future directions for an Asian community asserting the importance of cultural and value studies. This objective analysis of Asian regionalism explores perspectives from both within and outside the region. As such it will prove a fascinating read for academics and researchers, practitioners and policy-makers in a wide variety of fields, including Asian studies, economics, public policy, political economy, international relations and regional science. Contributors include: F. Cameron, I. Cheong, H. Chung, C.-h. Kim, H. Kim, W.-h. Kim, H. Lee, S. Matsuno, J. Park, T.J. Pempel, G. Sorman, A. Verdun, C. Wu, A. Zhebin

Functional integration in the economy has developed sufficiently in Northeast Asia. The problem, identified by this book, lies in the lag or deficiency of institutional integration. The main impediments to such a move come from non-economic factors including political conflict. This study proposes a Northeast Asian version of the regional integration model. A crisis model and a political leadership model are suggested, with political leadership playing a critical role in utilizing crises to advance regional integration. A market-based transition model and a development model are also offered to show how to ease the transition of North Korea and the development of underdeveloped parts of the region. This book is an objective analysis combining both 'insider' and 'outsider' (most notably US) perspectives of Northeast Asian regionalism. It also usefully applies regional integration theories to the realities of the Northeast Asian situation and presents policy options for regional integration. As the contributions form an interdisciplinary approach, covering economics and political science, the book will appeal to a wide readership. This will include academics and researchers of regional studies, political economy and Asian studies. Practitioners and policymakers working in this area will also appreciate it.