Abstract This essay will assume the position that the pre-modern societies of East Asia were isolated and stagnant. It is recognized that this argument is controversial, and dependent upon certain geographical and social assumptions. "isolation" and "stagnation" are relative concepts. It will be seen that two of the main economies of the region - that of China and Japan - possessed flourishing domestic economies and some degree of trade with other economies in the region. However, given the inescapable fact that European colonial powers in this era came to dominate Asia, first economically and then politically, a balanced view of the pre-modern economic history of the region must explain why this came to pass. Key to this explanation is a recognition that, in comparison to the nations of the West, the pre-modern economies of China and Japan were stagnant and isolated.
Tags: ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY (ANCIENT HISTORY) / PRIMITIVE CULTURE (PALEOLITHIC), ANCIENT EMPIRES, economies east asia
Abstract This paper explains that Asia-Pacific has become a region of hothouse growth, outpacing for the past decade both North America and the Euro Zone in the production of goods and services. It points out that with the march of some Asia-Pacific countries into the ranks of advanced economies and abundant signs that the others lagging behind are soon expected to follow, consumer spending is on the upswing. This paper further explains that due to multi-national level investments, the human resource departments have great challenges when dealing with cross-continent cultural barriers. This paper uses the case study of an Australian-based multinational corporation to understand these issues further.
From the Paper "Actually, the vast investment and business opportunities offered by Asia-Pacific to foreign entities have always been there. But many were initially discouraged by the generally enigmatic character of this combined market. MNCs, for example, used to find the Japanese market inhospitable, even impenetrable. As for China, the previous attitude of Saudi Arabia towards that country tells the whole story. Until the 1980s, observed the Brooking Institution in Washington, Saudi Arabia was loathe to sell oil to China because of perceptions that it was a godless, revolutionary threat. Now, foreign investors and MNCs tread into the markets of all the Asia-Pacific countries on a welcome mat, such that the region has outflanked even EU as host to the most number of MNCs . But it would seem that MNCs have to sweat it out first to make their standard management and employment practices work in this region of widely divergent cultures."
Abstract This paper considers the issue of culture within the context of post-colonial Asia. The paper examines the cultural structure of two cultures; the Sinhala elite and Shiv Sena and how these groups developed and emerged, redefining their own identity. How the Hindu religion has influenced these cultural developments is also discussed.
From the Paper "Religion is a man made concept, as such all things connected to this can be seen as pure superstition and non existent, yet from an anthropological point of view the religions and superstitions of other races is seen as an important and integral aspect of research and calls for an open and understanding mind. Man has since the dawn of time been involved in one form of symbolism, whether it be through cave paintings or making idols of goddesses."
Abstract This paper concerns the foreign policy of the United States in South East Asia, with a particular emphasis on Vietnam, diplomatic strategy, and the domino theory. It considers the extent to which domestic and international events in 1949 and 1950 could be considered the major factors in United States' concerns of communist aggression in the region and the need to respond and contain further threats.
From the Paper "The loss of China also represented the loss of China as a pro-western influence and 'policeman' in the region. This necessitated a search for another potential strong ally and the build-up of Japan as a replacement pro-western power in the region. In the post-second world war period, one of the Roosevelt administration's reasons for dropping their international trusteeship plans for Indochina had been out of a concern to keep firm control over Japanese-mandated islands in the Pacific. The emergence of the Peoples' Republic of China in 1949 had made it all the more important to secure American interests in Japan itself. "
Abstract This paper examines the theory that as Asia develops, its economic geography will continue to endure some unique challenges posed by globalization, biotechnology and the green revolution.
From the Paper "Asia, home to more than half of the human race, spans a geographic area that reaches from Pakistan and India in the west, across China and Mongolia to the north, extending to Japan in the east and throughout Indonesia in the south. An area..."
Tags:asia, geography, development, biotechnology, globalization, green revolution
Abstract This paper describes the impact of small arms proliferation in Southeast Asian region. It highlights studies that detail illegal activities that allow rebels access to small arms with which to perpetrate further chaos in the country by undermining vital aspects of basic human security.
Contents
Introduction
Small Arms Proliferation and its Impacts on Human Security in Southeast Asia
From the Paper "According to the "Small Arms Survey 2002: Counting the Human Cost" published by the University of Geneva, the total number of human lives lost to small arms has reached approximately 639 million worldwide. Relatedly, according to the United Nations, the current number of small arms around the world is estimated to be 500 million to 1 billion. Light weapons are found to be the principal cause of death in conflicts around the world with the vast number of casualties belonging to civilians. It appears that despite the numerous lives lost, small arms and light weapons remain largely available in the world.
Small arms proliferation and their subsequent misuse by criminal elements have not only caused massive deaths but also undermined the equally important aspects of human security. These aspects include economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security and political security. With the increasing level of small arms proliferation and the resulting instability and insecurity it causes, human security is threatened. It serves to prolong the violent intra-state conflicts, and worst, encourage the demand for more arms for more profit to arms peddlers and for self-defense of neglected civilians. It is in this context that human security is examined amidst the proliferation and misuse of small arms in Southeast Asia."
Abstract The Cold War refers to the rivalry and mutual antagonism that developed after the Second World between the Soviet Union and the USA, and their allies. It was expressed politically and economically, and although it was by definition not open warfare, it was accompanied by a buildup of arms and militarization in many states. This paper examines these structures in East Asia.
From the Paper "The Cold War refers to the rivalry and mutual antagonism that developed after the Second World between the Soviet Union and the USA, and their allies. It was expressed politically and economically, and although it was by definition not open warfare, it was accompanied by a buildup of arms and militarization in many states. In East Asia, the Cold War followed the Communist vs. Non Communist pattern set by the rest of the world. However, it had some peculiar structures all of its own, due to events specific to East Asia."
Abstract This article discusses the issue of Avian flu across Asia. It explains that in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan there have been policies that require officials to slaughter foul at businesses that have indications of the disease. The paper explores the problems that this has created with farmers who loose their birds and are not appropriately compensated for their flocks. It claims that Government officials are, therefore, attempting to discover ways to meet these needs.
From the Paper "This article discusses the issue of Avian flu across Asia. In countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Japan there have been policies that require officials to slaughter foul at businesses that have indications of the disease. This has created problems with farmers who loose their birds and are not appropriately compensated for their flocks. Government officials are, therefore, attempting to discover ways to meet these needs. The Kashmir Earthquake No Author Listed Washington Post October 12, 2005 Summary: This article discusses the Kashmir earthquake. The death toll, according to the report, continues to climb daily, making the disaster significantly more devastating than any other in recent years. In addition to the death toll, there are over two million that ..."
Abstract The paper predicted that drug/alcohol abuse by students would be more significant among U.S. students than among Asian ones. Asia is relatively conservative in its outlook, while the United States is almost synonymous with experimentation and leisure. However, the research found that the use of currently illicit substances was socially acceptable in Southeast Asia. Also, the major growing areas for poppies and marijuana are located in or very close to Southeast Asia, making transportation easy and cheap. The paper concludes that U.S. students are therefore less likely to be heavy drug/alcohol users than are Southeast Asia students.
Contents:
Introduction
College Lifestyle and Drug/Substance Use in the United States
The Situation in Southeast Asia Drug Abuse Recorded in Various Countries and Areas in Asia Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1989, Rojek recognized that the negative side of leisure is a central factor in society when he said, "an obvious and indisputable fact about leisure in modern society is that many of the most popular activities are illegal" (1999, p. 82). Among college students in the United States, he found that the illegal activities were underage drinking and illegal drug use. Findings reported by Hoover, based on a survey of students at 140 U.S. college campuses, showed that "two in five college students regularly drink five or more alcoholic beverages in a row, which was significantly linked to the frequency with which they encountered secondary effects of alcohol consumption including date rape, scholastic difficulties, and violence (Hoover, 2002, pp. 34-37). A study by Tucker and Shinew (1995) examined the leisure pursuits of college age students, and found that 86% of those surveyed "consumed alcohol at least once a week and 40% used illegal drugs, primarily marijuana" (unpaged study). This material was based on self-reports, however, and might be skewed in favor of more alcohol and drug use, or less."
Abstract This paper examines how history has had a considerable impact on Japan's relationship with Southeast Asia. The experience of the Japanese colonialism and the atrocities of the WWII participated in a persistent anti-Japanese resentment in the region with the result that Japan's foreign policy has had to deal with serious suspicion and difficulties to rebuild mutual understanding between Japan and Southeast Asia. It also looks at how the experience of the Cold War and Japan's submission to the U.S. economic and security interests have constituted an important obstacle to Japan-Southeast Asia interaction.
Outline
The Legacy of the Japanese Military Expansionism in Southeast Asia Before 1945
A Difficult Japan-Southeast Asia Interaction after 1945: The Japanese Foreign Policy Choices in a Confrontational World Order
Balance: Japan and the Challenge of Reconciling History With the Future of a More Globalised World
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Japanese historical presence in Southeast Asia thus can be considered to have participated in the development of forthcoming antagonisms precisely in this region during the Cold War. In this respect, Takashi Inoguchi's analysis of the impact of the Japanese occupation on Vietnam is particularly relevant. Indeed, he insists on the fact that Japan's colonisation of Vietnam led to a considerable exploitation of the country's resources which resulted in the emergence of nationalist movements and doctrines that would be then appropriated and exploited by confrontational ideologies during the Cold War. "
Abstract The essay is a systematic synthesis of the literature on economic history and political science that explains the East Asian miracle. It argues that state intervention has been a fundamental tenet of the great transformation of societies and economies in the East and Southeast Asian countries. The paper takes several case studies in East and Southeast Asia in comparative perspective to show the similarities and differences of the development experiences in the region.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Context Setting: Asia Pacific in Global and Regional Perspectives
The East Asian Miracle in Theoretical Perspectives: Market-friendly and Developmental State Explanations
Relevant Themes on the East Asian Economic Miracle: Agricultural transformations in East Asia and the role of industrial policy in Asia Pacific
Agricultural Transformation in East Asian Countries
The State and Industrial Policy: Comparing East and Southeast Asia Conclusions
Appendix
From the Paper "The Asia Pacific has been the most dynamic region in the world with countries sustaining growth rates from 3 - 7% for decades, reducing absolute and relative poverty, and undergoing structural changes in demographic, economic and political terms. While area specialists do not claim a single model to be followed by the developing world, it is worthy to study the common conditions, policy choices, and challenges that these countries have faced. The East Asian Miracle indeed challenges scholars and policy makers to think beyond the standard Western model of development based on blind liberalization, deregulation, and privatization. Bearing in mind the nuances and commonalities across the region, there are lessons to be drawn if only to better understand the trajectory the region is currently taking."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the airline industry is characterized by a high level of competitive intensity and therefore Air Asia has to constantly reengineer its internal operations in order to build and maintain a competitive edge. In this respect, the strategic focus of the company is cost minimization. The writer discusses that the company is implementing the strategy of focus by targeting underserved markets while it is implementing the strategy of differentiation by adding value-added services to its repertoire. The writer looks at how Air Asia operates, focusing on the strategy of maximizing access to information. The writer points out that Air Asia locates opportunities for ensuring customer satisfaction through focusing on areas of the market which have not been targeted by competitors. The writer concludes that as a result, Air Asia manages to charge lower prices than many of its competitors while maintaining comparable standards of quality.
Outline:
Introduction
Evolution of E-commerce and M-commerce
Internal Environment Analysis
Strategy Formulation
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Air Asia's application of Windows Vista can be extended to m-commerce because Microsoft has already developed operating systems for mobile phones. Therefore Microsoft will be in a position to create interoperability between e-commerce and m-commerce through the Air Asia gadget. Although m-commerce is wirelessly connected, it has the flexibility of being connected through e-commerce as well. This means that any solutions developed for e-commerce can be accessible through m-commerce. This will benefit the consumers because they will not have to be connected to the internet once the Windows Vista application is made compatible in the m-commerce platform. In this respect, the costs of conducting e-commerce applications are higher than m-commerce applications. E-commerce requires connectivity via a personal computer. With m-commerce the same amount of information can be processed through a cell phone."
A study of the preconditions and policies required for economic growth and why some Asia-Pacific countries have failed to achieve sustainable long-term growth.
Abstract A study into why certain Asia-Pacific countries such as Cambodia fail to reach long-term economic growth and an explanation of the conditions and policies needed in an economic climate to achieve this growth.
The paper covers the following topics:
Preconditions for faster economic growth
Policies for faster economic growth
Asia Pacific LDCs (Least Developed Countries) & Cambodia
The paper is filled with examples and recent statistics of countries including USA, Australia, Taiwan, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, and Asia-Pacific LDCs in general.
From the Paper "According to McTaggart et al, there are several pre-conditions for economic growth. One of which is the existence of an institutional framework that is crucial to the creation of incentives. This institutional framework included markets (supply and demand), property rights, facilities for monetary exchange, as well as simple and transparent regulatory systems (1999: 32.7). Market prices send signals to buys and sellers that create incentives to increase or decrease the quantities demanded and supplied. Markets also enable people to specialise and trade and to save and invest. Property rights are the social arrangements that govern the ownership, use and disposal of factors of production and goods and services (McTaggart et al, 1999:32.17). They include the rights to physical property, to financial property and to intellectual property. The existence of property rights and their enforcement by the law provide people with certainty in their business dealings and hence they help provide macroeconomic stability and a pre-condition for growth."
Abstract This paper examines how for centuries, women have always been considered as inferior to men and how this biased perception was not only existent in the eastern civilizations but was also present in the western societies. It looks at how today in eastern civilizations, women have made significant contributions towards several social, political and religious movements either directly or indirectly and have been playing an important role in the advancement and development of these societies. Throughout Asia, nations have supported women as leaders in different political movements, which were initiated by their husbands or fathers and most of the Asian women have been ruling in societies where women often do not have much liberty to express their views and exercise their individual freedom. This paper analyzes the role of women of the years in several prominent societies of Asia including China, South East Asia, Japan and Mongolia.
From the Paper "With the independence of South Asia from the British regime, a democratic constitution was formed, which recognized the rights of women as equal to that of men. In the coming decades, numerous laws were changed including the marital laws, the property right legislations, rules for inheritance etc. Several other movements in the late 70s were supported by women activist groups, which led to the formation of several new legislations to protect the interests of women. However, the recent wave of fundamentalism has again brought women's liberty at stake. There are still incidents of murders and rapes in South Asia and literacy rate of women in the region is the lowest in the world, which is very surprising."
Abstract This paper considers the marketing ramifications of the recent outbreak of avian flu in Asia, including consequences for exporting birds to Asia, exporting birds from Asia, and tourism. It discusses how to eradicate the disease from the bird population.
From the Paper "Although the flu is not considered by many to be a serious illness the disease kills hundreds of thousands around the world each year. Generally flu strains remain a specific species and relatively ..."
