Information Regimes During the Cold War in East Asia

The Information Regime is a concept developed by Morgan and his contributors to understand the use, abuse, and control of information in East Asia during the Cold War period. Information regimes were not state-centric and many of the contributors to this book focus on examples that were not so, allowing us to see that the East Asian Cold War was not really cold but was the epicentre of an active, contentious birth of information as the defining element of human interaction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the context of the Cold War, Morgan and his contributors introduce the concept of the Information Regime to gain a deeper understanding of the utilization, misuse, and control of information in East Asia. The Cold War itself underwent a transformative shift, as did the art of statecraft. Information emerged as the most valuable commodity, playing a pivotal role in societies worldwide. This was particularly true in East Asia, where the military alliances forged after World War II were put to rigorous tests. The adversarial relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as internal pressures within their alliances, ultimately led to the People's Republic of China's departure from Moscow and Japan's temporary drift away from Washington.

While military power and economic influence were significant factors, the establishment of information regimes emerged as a crucial aspect of the East Asian Cold War. These regimes encompassed regions where a specific paradigm, ideology, or political arrangement was propagated and enforced. It is important to note that information regimes are not solely state-centric, as demonstrated by the contributions of the book's authors. They highlight examples that deviate from this conventional perspective, allowing for a broader understanding of the dynamics at play during the East Asian Cold War.

The book's significance lies in its ability to provide valuable insights for historians specializing in East Asia and the evolution of information management in the twentieth century. By examining the role of information in shaping political, social, and economic outcomes, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between power, ideology, and technology in this region. It serves as a reminder that the Cold War was not merely a conflict between nations but also a battle for control over information, which had the potential to shape the course of history.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the Information Regime in East Asia during the Cold War. By delving into the use, abuse, and control of information, it provides a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and policymakers interested in understanding the complexities of this critical period. The book's focus on non-state-centric examples highlights the broader implications of information regimes and their role in shaping the world we live in today.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367499440