New Dynamics in Asia

The monograph illustrates different aspects of profound shifts in the economic, societal, political, and cultural landscapes of Asia. In three thematic blocks, it analyzes the US and the EU’s changing position in East Asia, China’s growing political and economic influence in the world, as well as the evolution of the Japanese democracy. By examining various dimensions of the politics, foreign policies, societies, and economics of selected Asian countries, it contributes to better understanding of a complex mosaic of intertwining interests of global and local powers in the region. A range of studies by Asia scholars stress the sudden rise of the People’s Republic of China, accompanied by a waning position of Western powers in the Asia-Pacific, as well as economic and political stagnation of Japan. While indicating different methods for containing China’s rise instituted by competing powers, as well as the social, humanitarian, political, and economic obstacles against the spread of the Chinese sphere of influence, the authors describe the dynamic changes that occurred on the Asian continent in the last decades.

Karol Żakowski, Evaluating the Dynamic Changes in Asian Countries 7 The Western Powers’ Changing Position in Asia 11 David Jervis, A Review and Evaluation of Recent Scholarship on America’s War in Vietnam 13 Su-chun Li, A Case Study of the Fulbright Program in Korea 27 David A. Jones, Managing Asia: A 21st Century “Chingbirok”? Opportunities in Trade Balanced Against Risk Factors in East, South, and Southeast Asian Security 43 Mateusz Smolaga, Targeting of EU Development Assistance in Asia 59 China’s Rising Influence in the World 79 Amandeep Singh Hanspal, The Belt & Road Initiative and Its Impact on Central Asia. Kazakhstan: A Case Study 81 Mateusz Chatys, The Patron-Client Concept in Relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines 91 Przemysław Ciborek, Political and Economic Activities of the PRC on the Balkan Peninsula. Romania: A Case Study 111 Evolution of Japanese Democracy 129 Jinghao Zhou, Chinese Confucianism, Japanese Practice 131 Sylwia Łagnowska, Dynasties and Democracy in Japan 147 Karol Żakowski, Political Leadership vs. Prime Ministerial Leadership: Evolution of the Priorities in Decision-Making Reform in Japan 161 List of Figures 179 List of Tables 181