"An interesting and stimulating collection of papers... A series of stimulating and provocative essays that point the way for further research." - J. E. Hoare, Asian Affairs, Nov 2010"[T]he book answers very well to the objectives set in it, i.e. the analytical point of view in which the region’s development has been influenced by ideological competition, both multilateral and unilateral efforts to instil order and the changing nature of international trade. The authors are noted experts in their topic areas, and the book begins handsomely with Ian Nish’s article and concludes with Akira Iriye’s final comments!" - Olavi K. Fält, Oulu; Comparativ 22 (2012)1