2. A NEW ASIAN DRAMA

This book explores the theoretical and empirical relationship between democracy and governance in the Asia-Pacific region. Examining a variety of country cases and themes addressing the theoretical tension between governance and democracy, it illuminates how this impacts political and civil societies across the region. Analysing the character, structure and current trajectories of polities in the Asia-Pacific, democratic or otherwise, this book demonstrates that the role of civil society, political society and governance has significantly differed in practice from what has been commonly assumed within the international community. The book includes both theoretical investigations tracing the modern development of the concepts of governance, development and democratization as well as regional and country-specific observations of major issues, presenting comprehensive country-level studies of China, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Presenting fascinating insight into non-democratic governance, civil society and the rule of law in illiberal contexts, Governance and Democracy in the Asia-Pacific will prove to be of great use to students and scholars of Asian politics and society, as well as international and comparative politics.

Focuses on the activities of nongovernmental research institutions, foundations, and philanthropic organizations in fifteen Asia Pacific countries (Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam).

This first volume of a two-volume study concentrates on the geopolitical and economic transformation of the Asia-Pacific region. It focuses on the relationship between the decline of ideological bipolarity and dissolution of Cold War alliances on the one hand, and the rapid industrialization of East Asia and the tensions generated by the shifts in the global and regional balance of economic interests on the other hand. Special attention is paid to the three major powers (the US, China, and Japan), as well as small and middle powers such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Canada. For scholars, researchers, and policy makers involved in the region's politics and economy. Camilleri teaches international relations at La Trobe University, Australia. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR

Regionalism in the Asia-Pacific is a complex and rapidly evolving phenomenon. This volume explores the relationship between globalization and regionalization, between states, markets and civil society, and between US hegemony and Asian aspirations.

The Asia-Pacific region is known for having one of the least developed institutional mechanisms for protecting human rights. This edited collection makes a timely and distinctive contribution to contemporary debates about strengthening the institutional protection of human rights in the Asia-Pacific region, in the wake of ASEAN’s announcement in 2009 of an ASEAN regional human rights mechanism. Drawing together leading scholarly voices including Surya Deva, V.T. Thamilmaran, Tom Zwart and Catherine Renshaw, the book focuses on the systemic issue of institutionalizing human rights protection in the Asia-Pacific. It critically examines the prospects for deepening and widening the institutionalization of human rights monitoring in the region, challenging the orthodox scepticism about whether Asia is "ready" for stronger institutions. The volume analyses the impediments to institutions, whilst questioning the need for them.

Despite significant cultural exchange, mutual trust and understanding remains fragile between Asia-Pacific countries. The community faces complex and seemingly intractable problems: violent civil conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, proliferation of nuclear weapons and flashpoints that may lead to war. The authors of this book argue that common reflection and dialogue is imperative. Their achieved aim is to bring together distinguished scholars and experts on public policy, social ethics, defence, human security and sustainability to consider the future of the Asia-Pacific region and appropriate responses by both states and civil society.