Asia's New Regionalism

Review: 

This is an important and original argument. Engaging, compelling, and comprehensive, it provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the changing dynamics of Asian regionalism.

— T.J. Pempel, University of California, Berkeley

Frost offers a comprehensive perspective on Asian integration, drawing on history, politics, and geography. Her narrative is crisp and enjoyable, and her analysis insightful.

— Saori Katade, University of Southern California

Description:

As the political drive to establish closer ties among Asian governments continues to gain momentum, there has been much debate about the realities of Asian regionalism. Does the community-building activity in fact signal the birth of "Asia Major" • What are the obstacles to integration • And is integration a positive trend for the region •and for external actors • Sifting rhetoric from fact, Ellen Frost offers a nuanced analysis of the political, economic, and strategic issues at stake.

A central theme in Asia's New Regionalism is the contrast between integration driven by national governments for political and security reasons and spontaneous integration in maritime regions fueled by the resurgence of centuries-old ethnic, cultural, and economic ties. Frost's lively exploration of these sometimes mismatched dynamics highlights critical implications for policies both in the region and in the United States.

Target Audience: 

Researchers in the area of International Studies.