EAST & SOUTHEAST ASIA 2012 45ED (World Today (Stryker)) 45th Edition

As the economic power shifts from the United States to China, the thirst for learning about Asia intensifies. Professor Steven Leibo’s , The World Today Series: East & South East Asia is a great contribution to understanding this new Era. Dr. Leibo does not confine himself to studying China, or the booming economies of Southeast Asia. He painstakingly analyzes historical, political, cultural, social, and economic trends of the entire region to shed more light on the area. Professor Leibo’s approach is dynamic and breathtaking. His narrative is very lively and convincing. He takes us from the depth of history to modern times, form traditions, religions, and gender issues to the impact of the West, modernization, globalization, and revolutions to understand the region better.
Although discussion about China and Japan (deservedly) occupy 25 per cent of the book, the author dedicates enough attention to the small countries such as Brunei, East Timor, and Myanmar. Addition of Australia and New Zealand makes the book even more attractive. This is a timely book which can help all of those interested in the area from students to journalist and the layman to expand their knowledge about the region, and its complex cultures, social relations, economic foundations, and changing dynamics. (Mohammad Amjad, Ph.D., Visiting Associate Professor of Political Science Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania)