Routledge Handbook of Asian Regionalism

The Routledge Handbook of Asian Regionalism is a definitive introduction to, and analysis of, the development of regionalism in Asia, including coverage of East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The contributors engage in a comprehensive exploration of what is arguably the most dynamic and important region in the world. Significantly, this volume addresses the multiple manifestations of regionalism in Asia and is consequently organised thematically under the headings of: conceptualizing the region economic issues political issues strategic issues regional organizations As such, the Handbook presents some of the key elements of the competing interpretations of this important and highly contested topic, giving the reader a chance to evaluate not just where Asian regionalism is going but also how the scholarship on Asian regionalism is analysing these trends and events. This book will be an indispensable resource for students and scholars of Asian politics, international relations and regionalism. Review 'Mark Beeson and Richard Stubbs have assembled a who-is-who of scholars working on Asian regionalism. This handbook gives an up-to-date survey of a subject of enormous consequence for world politics that will be extremely useful for all working in this field of scholarship.' Peter J. Katzenstein, Walter S. Carpenter, Jr. Professor of International Studies, Cornell University 'Beeson and Stubbs’ important volume brings together a group of leading specialists on Asia-Pacific regionalism. It is distinguished not just by the breadth of its coverage of regional institutions―both economic and security―but of the context in which they have evolved and the main challenges they face.' Professor John Ravenhill, Australian National University 'One of the greatest merits of the handbook is not only its coverage of all crucial issues but also its inclusion of topics that are usually side-lined in IR-focused works on regionalism. For example, it is of great value that the reader finds a historical contextualisation of China’s role in the region (David Kang)... Readers of this volume will certainly be well equipped to “get Asia right” by understanding processes of cooperation in East Asia in a highly informed and critical way.' - Torsten Weber, University of Freiburg; Journal of International and Global Studies Volume 4, Number 1, November 2012. 'There was a time, not long ago, when international relations scholars thought of European regionalism as the model for the rest of the world, and gave only a passing and dismissive notice to the emerging regionalism of Asia. This book is a powerful reminder of how and why times have changed. It offers an outstanding example of serious scholarship that is substantive but not celebratory, capturing the diversity of perspectives which nonetheless hold together to move the study of Asian regionalism to the next level.' Amitav Acharya, Professor of International Relations and UNESCO Chair in Transnational Challenges and Governance, American University, Washington D.C. 'While Asian countries have been slow to embrace regional institutions due to the region’s unique history, geography, culture, socio-economic and political development, and geopolitical relations, regionalism has occurred and developed with some distinctive organizational features in the recent decades. The Routlege Handbook of Asian Regionalism is a remarkable tour de force by leading scholars on this important development. In one volume, the reader will have not only an overview of the historical evolution of Asian regionalism but also a compelling presentation of dynamical issue areas of regional cooperation and institutional building efforts.' Suisheng Zhao, Professor, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver and Editor of Journal of Contemporary China 'This is an impressive book – comprehensive in scope with contributions from the leading figures in the study