Covering China, Japan, the Koreas, and the ASEAN member states, this volume provides an introduction to one of the most complex and rapidly changing regions in the world. It covers history, politics, economics, and international relations, as well as such topics as the role of the military, population and urbanization, and environmental issues.

Covering China, Japan, the Koreas, and all of the ASEAN member states, "Understanding Contemporary Asia Pacific" provides a comprehensive introduction to one of the most complex and rapidly changing regions in the world today. This accessible, up-to-date volume is designed to be used as a core text for "Introduction to Asia" and "Asian Politics" courses and also as a supplement in a variety of discipline-oriented curriculums. The authors cover history, politics, economics, and international relations, as well as such topics as the role of the military, population and urbanization, environmental issues, women and development, ethnicity, and religion. Maps, photographs, suggestions for further reading, and an appendix of basic political data enhance the text.

Introduction - K.P. Kaup.
Asia Pacific: A Geographic Preface - R. Hill.
The Historical Context - C. MacKerras.
Asia Pacific Politics - K.P. Kaup.
The Economies of Asia Pacific - K. Khandke.
International Relations - D. McDougall.
Military and Security Issues - R. Sutter.
The Environment - P. Hills.
Population and Urbanization - D. Forbes.
Ethnicity - K.P. Kaup.
Women and Development - Y. Rodgers.
Religion in Asia Pacific - K. Cole.
The Literatures of Asia Pacific - F. Beauchamps and E. Marquez.
Trends and Prospects - K.P. Kaup.