The Connections World: The Future of Asian Capitalism

The connections world, a web of close relationships between business and politics in modern Asia, facilitates transactional interactions and reciprocal benefits but comes with significant costs and fallibilities, such as market power, competition, and inequalities. To promote sustainable economic and political systems, major changes must be made to policy and behavior.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The intricate web of interconnected relationships between business and politics in modern Asia stands as a defining characteristic that transcends economic and political disparities. These networks, known as the connections world, facilitate highly transactional interactions, resulting in significant reciprocal benefits. While the connections world has not yet posed a significant impediment to Asia's economic renaissance, it does come with considerable costs and weaknesses. One of the primary concerns is the emergence and consolidation of immense market power, which can hinder competition and stifle growth in productivity and innovation. Furthermore, these connections contribute to the perpetuation of significant inequalities, potentially leading to political instability.

The authors argue that if Asia is to maintain its position as a global leader in the 21st century, fundamental changes in policy and behavior are imperative. They propose the dismantling of the foundations of the connections world and the promotion of more sustainable economic and political systems. This entails fostering greater competition, promoting fair trade practices, and investing in education and infrastructure to enhance the productivity and well-being of the Asian population.

In conclusion, the connections world represents a central feature of modern Asia, but it comes with significant costs and fallibilities. To ensure a prosperous and stable future, Asia must prioritize the development of more sustainable economic and political systems that prioritize competition, fairness, and social well-being. By doing so, Asia can continue to thrive as a global leader and contribute to the betterment of the world.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 236 x 157 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009169790