Undoubtedly, the rapid transformation of a band of four Northeast Asian economies (South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong) since the mid-1960s has been unprecedented in economic history. Their experience has surpassed the earlier experience of Japan’s transformation into an industrial economy, and that of the former USSR. Although some similarities between the development strategies of these economies and that of Japan exist, there are significant differences between them, as well as among the four economies themselves, especially in the role of the state. Thus grew a voluminous literature trying to understand the so-called ‘Northeast Asian development model’. The literature has become much more extensive with the rise of second-generation, newly industrializing economies in Southeast Asia, and lately, of China and other transition economies such as Viet Nam.

This original Handbook on the Northeast and Southeast Asian Economies provides a broad overview of economic and social developments in the countries covered (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, North Korea, The Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Viet Nam). The analytical narratives on the economic transformation of these economies draw on existing literature, and highlight the interactions of socio-political factors. They examine the role of economic policies and the influence exerted by historical and political circumstances.

Each chapter, written by leading country experts, begins with a brief discussion of the political history of the country and ends with a discussion of future prospects and challenges. The editors' introduction provides a comprehensive survey of the political economy of Northeast and Southeast Asian economic transformation with a particular emphasis on post-Asian crisis issues.

The editors have ensured that this Handbook will be an invaluable reference work for many years to come for researchers, academics and students of Asian studies. Policymakers interested in learning more about the background and future opportunities and challenges posed by these economies will also find much to engage them.