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Pacific-Asian Economic Policies And Regional Interdependence

Edited by Robert A. Scalapino and others
Reviewed by By Donald S. Zagoria
Winter 1989/90
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Edited by Robert A. Scalapino and others
Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California
1989
352 pp.
$20.00

This volume contains a number of valuable essays on the growing regional economic interdependence in the Pacific. There is a particularly useful essay by Robert Campbell on Soviet economic policy in the Pacific that concludes that there is little basis for rapidly expanding economic activity in the Soviet Far East or in Soviet trade with Asia. Russia's natural economic partner, he concludes, is Western Europe.

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Essay, Special 1988
Soviet Policy in East Asia: A New Beginning?
Donald S. Zagoria

Soviet options in East Asia are limited by the USSR's lack of economic influence, but Gorbachev's new flexible diplomacy has led to limited advances. Discusses current relations with China, Japan, and the two Koreas, noting that influence in the Pacific region's economy is likely to be marginal for the next few decades. Concludes that prospects are good for a reduction in tension in the region.

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Essay, Fall 1987
Asia's Future
Robert A. Scalapino

Three issues preoccupy Asia's leaders (1) economic strategy (2) political stability versus greater openness (3) regionalism. The accelerating socio-economic revolution presents challenges to both the Marxist and the democratic states. There is a requirement for increased public participation, greater local autonomy and more regional and international interaction. On balance the odds favouring a largely peaceful revolution are lengthening.

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Essay, Nov/Dec 2000
Vietnam's Contradictions
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Despite recently signing the long-awaited trade deal with the United States, Vietnam's communist leadership is split by uncertainty about the country's economic and political future. Without an economic overhaul soon, Vietnam risks being relegated to the global dustbin. Officials, however, remain wary of too much international engagement and know that capitalism would destroy the one-party state. Change in Vietnam is inevitable. But it will occur through an evolution, not a revolution.

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