Resurgent Asia: Diversity in Development

Gunnar Myrdal's Asian Drama in 1968 predicted gloomy development prospects for Asia, but since then, the region has undergone remarkable transformation. Resurgent Asia provides an analytical narrative of Asia's economic development, examining historical, political, and social factors and offering an economic analysis of the growth's underlying factors. The book covers sub-regions and major countries, accounting for over four-fifths of Asia's population and income.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Gunnar Myrdal's renowned work, "Asian Drama," published in 1968, painted a bleak picture of Asia's development prospects. However, the reality has been far from his predictions. Since then, Asia has undergone a remarkable transformation, revolutionizing the development of nations and improving the living standards of its people. These changes have been uneven across countries and individuals, but Asia's economic progress in such a short timeframe has been truly remarkable and almost unprecedented in history.

Resurgent Asia is a comprehensive analytical narrative that explores Asia's incredible economic development, situated within the broader context of historical, political, and social factors. It also provides an economic analysis of the underlying factors that contributed to Asia's growth and the critical issues involved in the development process. The book encompasses not only the sub-regions of East, Southeast, South, and West Asia but also the major countries, including China, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Turkey, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, which account for more than four-fifths of Asia's population and income.

In the opening chapter, "The Resurgence of Asia," the author provides a historical overview of Asia's development, highlighting the region's economic and political challenges throughout the centuries. The chapter emphasizes the importance of Asia's geographic location, its rich natural resources, and the historical role of its civilizations in shaping the world's economy. It also discusses the impact of colonialism, World War II, and the Cold War on Asia's development, as well as the emergence of new economic powers in the region.

The second chapter, "The Economic Transformation of Asia," delves into the factors that have driven Asia's economic growth. The author discusses the role of government policies, investment in infrastructure, technological advancements, and the opening up of markets in promoting economic development. The chapter also explores the challenges faced by Asian countries, such as income inequality, environmental degradation, and political instability, and the strategies they have adopted to address these issues.

The third chapter, "The Political Dimensions of Economic Development," examines the political factors that have influenced Asia's economic growth. The author discusses the role of authoritarian regimes, democratic transitions, and the influence of regional and global powers on Asian politics. The chapter also explores the challenges faced by Asian countries in maintaining political stability, promoting social cohesion, and addressing the needs of their citizens.

The fourth chapter, "The Social Dimensions of Economic Development," focuses on the social consequences of Asia's economic growth. The author discusses the impact of urbanization, migration, and social inequality on Asian societies. The chapter also explores the strategies adopted by Asian countries to address social issues, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

The fifth chapter, "The Future of Asia's Economic Development," examines the prospects for Asia's economic growth in the coming decades. The author discusses the challenges faced by Asian countries, such as the aging population, rising income inequality, and environmental degradation. The chapter also explores the strategies adopted by Asian countries to address these challenges, such as investment in healthcare and education, promotion of sustainable development, and the development of new technologies.

In conclusion, Resurgent Asia provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Asia's economic development, situated within the broader context of historical, political, and social factors. The book offers valuable insights into the factors that have driven Asia's growth, the challenges faced by the region, and the strategies adopted by Asian countries to address these challenges. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the future of Asia and its role in shaping the global economy.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 232 x 151 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198872511