This book by Philip Golub explores East Asia's resurgence as a global economic powerhouse, increasing its GDP share from under 10% to 30% in four decades. It examines historical factors such as imperialism and revolution that shaped its development, offering insights into the implications for world politics and the future economic landscape.
Analyzing the United States' post-Cold War imperial behavior, the book delves into the formation of imperial identity and the cultural underpinnings of American foreign policy. It highlights how entrenched beliefs in American primacy hinder both domestic and international democratic transformations. The author warns that this resistance to change could precipitate a self-inflicted crisis for the US empire. It serves as a valuable resource for students of history and international relations, particularly in a shifting global landscape where America's influence wanes.