The third of the Tom Plate on Asia series, Yo-Yo Diplomacy compiles the compelling and insightful columns on Asia by award-winning journalist Tom Plate over the past two years.
Tom Plate Book order






- 2017
- 2015
The Fine Art of the Political Interview: And the Inside Stories Behind the 'Giants of Asia' Conversations
- 260 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Renowned journalist and professor Tom Plate excels at uncovering the truth from influential political figures. His insightful analysis and probing questions provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities within political discourse, showcasing his unique ability to engage with and challenge powerful leaders.
- 2015
Conversations with Lee Kuan Yew
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Lee Kuan Yew was no one's fool and handled know-it-all Western journalists well when he cared to deal with them at all.
- 2013
A compelling and sprawling portrait of Asia's resurgence - by Tom Plate, America's only Asia-only columnist. Contains the best columns that succinctly illustrate the dynamic rise of Asia
- 2012
Read exclusive interviews with the UN General Secretary, now in his second term at the UN. Consists of frank and undiluted views on many global issues and topics. Take a look inside into running the UN.
- 2011
Conversations with Thaksin
- 249 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Political life meets art in the drama of Thailand's ousted Prime Minister who raised the hopes of the poor while creating enemies among the rich. Here Thaksin tells his tale of triumph and betrayal to journalist Tom Plate, as well as his secrets of poverty reduction, power politics and the future of democracy in Asia.
- 2011
Conversations with Mahathir Mohamad
- 243 pages
- 9 hours of reading
He began his professional career as a family physician but wound up prescribing innovative political medicines for the entire nation that remain controversial even today. Was he exactly the bold and fearless policy doctor that the troubled body politic of Malaysia needed? Or was he just another mendacious mediocrity with a record of persistent misdiagnoses, phony remedies and self-serving justifications? Only history's judgment can offer the final verdict but Dr Mahathir himself is in no doubt. In a riveting series of unprecedented conversations, Malaysia's most famous former prime minister reveals to American journalist and author Tom Plate a panoramic panoply of views on governing, on Islam, on Jews, on the West and on Malays that are striking in historical sweep and contemporary relevance.