United States and East Asia - Tommy T B Koh

The question of economic union or conflict is posed against the background of East Asia's 'miracle' rise in the world economy. Is the success of East Asia a threat or benefit to the United States? What is the role and significance of APEC in fostering economic interdependence and will this make for a stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific? For the first time in 50 years, East Asia is at peace. Will peace and prosperity prevail? Professor Koh examines both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. He argues for the continued engagement of the United States in East Asia and for a stable relationship between the United States, Japan and China. In this post-Cold War era, is the source of conflict shifting from the ideological to the cultural? Professor Koh probes the sensitive and problematic issues of Asian versus Western values and human rights, against the plea for mutual respect and mutual learning.