Pekkanen, Saadia M., John Ravenhill, and Rosemary Foot

Summary
In examining the theory and practice of international relations in Asia, this Handbook concentrates on the countries that are pivotal to understanding Asia’s role in global and regional politics, as well as the processes that are responsible for the region’s particular characteristics. The Handbook begins with an investigation of the ways in which various theoretical approaches to international relations can elucidate Asia’s empirical realities. Individual chapters then examine the foreign relations and policies of specific countries or sets of countries; their political, economic, and security relations both within the Asian region as well as with the rest of the world; and the key thematic issues that draw states and peoples into particular institutions and networks. A concluding part examines Asia’s future prospects. The geographical scope of the Handbook covers Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia.