In a systematic study of the political economy of East Asia, Cai adopts an historical perspective alongside a contemporary focus, exploring East Asia's development since the late 19th century. Following similar paths to economic development, East Asian states have achieved economic success, integrating themselves into a regional economy.

KEVIN G. CAI is Associate Professor and Director of East Asian Studies at Renison College, University of Waterloo, Canada. He has published in a variety of professional journals and elsewhere. His other book in this series is entitled The Politics of Economic Regionalism: Explaining Regional Economic Integration in East Asia.