In his recent book, "Asian Century … on a Knife-edge," John West questions the conventional wisdom that the 21st century will belong to Asia. He argues that in recent years many observers have succumbed to a case of “Asian-Century hype.” In reality, Asia is suffering from stunted economic and social development. John identifies seven economic, social, political and geopolitical challenges for realising an Asian Century, but doubts that Asia’s leading economies have the political will to tackle these challenges. Further, he identifies numerous possible sources of economic, social, and political crisis.
Nevertheless, the Indo-Pacific of the 21st century is becoming increasingly dominated by Asia’s emerging giants - China, India and Indonesia - which have some of the world's largest economies. John argues that these countries are fragile superpowers whose power derives mainly from their enormous populations. Even by mid-century, they will still be well behind advanced countries like the US, Japan and Germany in terms of economic, business, and technological sophistication. But this has not stopped the rise of strategic competition between an increasingly distracted US and a growingly assertive China, despite the latter's domestic fragilities. Countries like Australia face great challenges in adapting to this new strategic environment.
Australia's Regional Security: Keeping our Balance
Future Smart Foods and Global Food Security
A Critical Juncture in the History of Pakistan
Malaysia: First 100 Days of the Anwar Government - How Many More?
The Outlook for International Relations in 2023
Former Foreign Affairs Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah
Professor Hugh White on The Future of US China Relations and What it Means for Australia
Australia’s image of itself and in the world – as seen by Kamahl
Book Launch: The Consul by Ian Kemish
Playing to win: Australian sports diplomacy in Asia
Global Citizen in the Age of the Pandemic
Timor-Leste: Twenty Years of Independence
Australia and India Trade and Economic Agreement: Moving the Dial?
Western Australia and Solar/Hydrogen with Professor Peter Newman AO
Australia’s Foreign Policy and Domestic Politics : A Discussion with Ian Kortlang
The World in 2022 – Reasons to be Cheerful: Reflections of a Diplomat
Hong Kong‘s ”Real Return”: the decimation of one country, two systems with Dr Jie Chen
Submarines, Security, and Alliances with Hugh White, Susannah Patton, and Peter Dean
Cybersecurity with Dr Mohiuddin Ahmed
Space law, good governance, and advancing our space strategy with Professor Erica Techera
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free