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39th out of 63 books
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22 voters
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The New Asian Hemisphere: The Irresistible Shift of Global Power to the East
For two centuries Asians have been bystanders in world history, reacting defenselessly to the surges of Western commerce, thought, and power. That era is over. Asia is returning to the center stage it occupied for eighteen centuries before the rise of the West.By 2050, three of the world and prepare new mental maps to understand the rise of Asia. The West, he says, must gr...more
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
April 28th 2009
by PublicAffairs
(first published 2008)
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Kishore Mahbubani, a former UN ambassador and Indian from Singapore, educates his western audience about the current rise of the Asian hemisphere - it's background, causes, and likely political and economic implications.
I especially enjoyed the first half of the book where the author details the background of the modernization, why the east is rising now, and talking about why the west isn't celebrating. The second half of the book felt like a long list of things that the west has d...more
I especially enjoyed the first half of the book where the author details the background of the modernization, why the east is rising now, and talking about why the west isn't celebrating. The second half of the book felt like a long list of things that the west has d...more
Thought-provoking study of Asian perspectives
Kishore Mahbubani’s examination of the rise of Asia and its implications for the world is most notable precisely because it is an Asian examination. A professor of public policy at the National University of Singapore, Mahbubani is one of Asia’s most prominent intellectuals. His debunking of ideas that he diagnoses as Western myths and assumptions is trenchant and thought provoking. The book is at times controversial, circular and often r...more
Kishore Mahbubani’s examination of the rise of Asia and its implications for the world is most notable precisely because it is an Asian examination. A professor of public policy at the National University of Singapore, Mahbubani is one of Asia’s most prominent intellectuals. His debunking of ideas that he diagnoses as Western myths and assumptions is trenchant and thought provoking. The book is at times controversial, circular and often r...more
I haven't officially started reading this yet, but I attended the book launch of this book here in Shanghai yesterday and I honestly can say that I believe this book has a solid foundation. I believe that Mahbubani has a solid grasp of the good, the bad and the possible as the world evolves in the 21st century and it seems beyond ignorant to believe that the East won't be in the drivers seat.
I am ashamed by the Western reviews that the book is purely anti-Western sentiment because, ...more
I am ashamed by the Western reviews that the book is purely anti-Western sentiment because, ...more
(I copyedited this book. Note that the title is actually The New Asian Hemisphere.) I learned a lot about the moral and economic complexities of globalization from reading this book. I didn't always agree with the author--sometimes I found he was too sanguine about capitalism, among other things--but I certainly respected his experience in international affairs and economics, his insights into the West and its influence on Asia, and his understanding of Asian culture, particularly in countries t...more
The author gleans insights from his experience as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and President of the United Nations Security Council, to analyze the shifting political influence of the West to the East. He specifically addresses geopolitical factors behind this, including the delegitimization of Western power. Outstanding book. One of the most insightful and thorough books I have read about how the world is changing.
While this book was an interesting read and although I agree with most of the points presented by the author, I have to say that, compared to the previous two books by the same author, this book was perhaps lacking in new and enlightening insights.
Also, while I concur with the author on Western incompetence in managing global challenges, his case for Asian competence was, however, not as strong.
Do not be mistaken. Asia may well be better at handling global challenges but I just feel that the aut...more
Also, while I concur with the author on Western incompetence in managing global challenges, his case for Asian competence was, however, not as strong.
Do not be mistaken. Asia may well be better at handling global challenges but I just feel that the aut...more
A really clearly written and mind-opening book (at least for me). I could have given an easy 5-star if it had not been for the author's biased opinion on China.
Excellent outlook on changing world.
- Building on western pillar of wisdom to replicate and not dominate
- India : Casts are shaded, giving rise to huge brain power
- Gorbachev took on western political system & China took on western economic system
- Building on western pillar of wisdom to replicate and not dominate
- India : Casts are shaded, giving rise to huge brain power
- Gorbachev took on western political system & China took on western economic system
Read for a freelance assignment. I wouldn't say the book is anti-West, but it is quite pro-East.
In general I feel smarter having read it--even if I only understood 25% of it.
In general I feel smarter having read it--even if I only understood 25% of it.
The balance of power is shifting Eastward and if international cooperation is to mean anything in the future then the West needs to be more open and practical in its dealings with the Rest. It's a good point and a readable book. But it's also preachy and unoriginal. I remain confused on three points: 1) why it would be on a syllabus 2) why I bothered finishing it since it's so predictable and 3) why I am further bothering to write a mediocre review of it. Who knows??
I hope everyone picks up a copy of this book. Not only is Kishore insightful, his concise delivery and fact-packed text is equivalent to a punch in the head.
A pure diplomat and a word-churner from Lee Kuan Yew's Institute of Public Policy no less, he possesses a keen knowledge of the East/West - Love/Hate.
Even if you think his thinking is askewed, I believe this book is definitely worth the time.
A pure diplomat and a word-churner from Lee Kuan Yew's Institute of Public Policy no less, he possesses a keen knowledge of the East/West - Love/Hate.
Even if you think his thinking is askewed, I believe this book is definitely worth the time.
To be honest, this book did not have many new perspectives for me, but I suppose as a recognised "Asian Thinker", this book serves a useful purpose in focusing Western attention on the rise of New Asia, and the important role that the region will play in the coming century.
Very interesting perspective of the shift from East to West-West to East-and then (future) East to West again. Good for those interested in the power of Asia as an entity in the world today.
Interesting theories presented but not enough facts to back them up.
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