Beer in East Asia: A Political Economy

The development of the beer industry in East Asia presents a unique opportunity to understand the region's political economy. Asia is the world's largest beer-consuming and producing region, and the fastest-growing beer market. The book explores the history of beer production and consumption across East Asia through a lens of historical institutionalism and political economy, examining how state and societal actors have influenced the path of beer production and how it has changed over time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The development of the beer industry in East Asia presents a unique opportunity for understanding the region's political economy, as explored by Chambers, Nuangjamnong, and their contributors. Asia is both the world's largest beer-consuming and beer-producing region, with the fastest growing beer market. Per-capita consumption is lower than in Europe, but it is catching up rapidly. Beer consumption is strongly associated with economic growth and urbanization, more so than other alcoholic beverages like spirits. This volume includes ten country case studies from both Northeast and Southeast Asia, examining the history of beer production and consumption through a lens of historical institutionalism and political economy. The contributors aim to explore not only the development of the beer industry in the region but also what it reveals about the countries themselves. They raise important questions such as: To what extent have state versus societal actors influenced the path of beer production? How has beer production changed over time? Was there a critical juncture at which beer production underwent a significant transformation?

This book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of modern East Asian History, particularly those interested in colonial history, industrial history, and state-society relations. It provides insights into the complex relationships between the state, industry, and society in East Asia and sheds light on the historical and economic factors that have shaped the beer industry in the region. The case studies presented in the book offer a rich and detailed account of the development of beer production and consumption in different countries, and they contribute to our understanding of the region's political economy and social history.

In conclusion, the development of the beer industry in East Asia presents a fascinating and insightful perspective on the region's political economy. By examining the history of beer production and consumption through a lens of historical institutionalism and political economy, Chambers, Nuangjamnong, and their contributors offer valuable insights into the complex relationships between the state, industry, and society in East Asia. This book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of modern East Asian History and will be of interest to anyone with an interest in the region's history and development.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032253275