Asia alone : the dangerous post-crisis divide from America

230 Pages·2010·1.39 MB·English

by  Tay

Advance Praise for
Asia Alone
The Dangerous Post-Crisis Divide from America
There is no better-informed or more nuanced observer of the great Pacific
relationship than Simon Tay. In Asia Alone, Tay shares the perspective gained
from his many years of observation and involvement at the highest levels.
He moves seamlessly from history to economics to business to politics to
environment to security, and weaves an image of Asian and U.S. competition and
cooperation that is both unique and compelling. Policy-makers, strategic
managers, and commentators who need to understand the past, present and
future of the Pacific basin relationship need this book to show them that there is
an important relationship that, if managed well with the clear-eyed perspective
that Tay provides, can survive the Great Recession, the growth of Chinese power,
and the end of unipolarity.
Joel P. Trachtman
Professor of International Law
The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Tufts University
This is an important and provocative book. Asia is rising, but is it going on its
own path, absent America? I do not think so. But whether you agree with the
author or not, this is a book you should read.
Tommy Koh
Ambassador-At-Large, Singapore
Chairman, Singapore Institute of Policy Studies
The thoughtful, timely, and distinctively Singaporean case that Simon Tay
makes—for an ‘‘Asian normative community’’ in partnership with ‘‘post-
American American leadership’’—merits attention not just in Washington but in
Beijing and Tokyo as well.’’
Donald K. Emmerson
Stanford University
This book is a joy to read. Simon Tay has presented his insights in an engaging
and highly readable style. Asia Alone seeks to answer the grand strategic question
of this century, ‘‘how can Asian stability and prosperity be sustained as American
primacy wanes?’’ Tay’s thoughts will assuredly resonate with those who shape
policies across the region and beyond, from Kuala Lumpur to Canberra, from
Bangkok to Beijing, and perhaps most importantly, Washington, DC.
Dato’ Dr. Mahani Zainal Abidin
Chief Executive, Institute of Strategic and
International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia
Simon Tay offers an astute and beautifully written account of the impact of the
global financial crisis on the relationship between the United States and Asia,
arguing that economic decoupling doesn’t have to mean an ugly divorce. His
vision of how to remake the partnership so that it works better for both should be
essential reading for businesspeople and diplomats alike.
Susan Shirk
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
East Asia and Pacific Affairs 1997-2000
Ho Miu Lam Endowed Chair in China and Pacific Relations
University of California, San Diego
It’s not often that I read a book from cover to cover these days, let alone in
one sitting. But Simon Tay’s Asia Alone is one of those rare books that leads to
‘‘a-ha!’’ moments of new understanding on almost every page. His explanation of
the underlying forces that are shaping the post-crisis world not only in Asia, but
globally, is unmatched. I hope this book will be translated from its superbly
written English into many languages to support the emergence of a new generation
of leaders in the region on an issue that is central to the future of humanity.
Peter Hayes
Professor of International Relations
RMIT University
Dr. Tay asks whether the traditional symbiosis between the US and Asia has
begun to dissolve as a result. The answer is not an easy one. But it makes reading
Asia Alone a thought-provoking experience.
Bindu Lohani
Vice-President, Asian Development Bank
Amid the celebration of Asia’s rise Simon Tay, one of the region’s clear-headed
thinkers, has struck a valuable cautionary note: if the Asian drift away from the
United States cannot be reversed the much-heralded prosperity of the region and
America’s economic recovery could be in jeopardy. It is a wise counsel leaders on
both sides of the Pacific would do well to heed.
Nayan Chanda
Author, Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers,
Adventurers and Warriors Shaped Globalization
Editor, YaleGlobal Online
America is an open society with a closed mind. Outrageous? Why then do
Americans only read books written by Americans instead of non-Americans to
understand the non-American world? The time has come for Americans to pay
more heed to sympathetic voices outside America. Hence, Simon Tay’s book is
truly timely as it provides valuable and constructive advice for American
policymakers.
Kishore Mahbubani
Author, The New Asian Hempishere:
The Irresistible Shift of Global Power to the East
Dean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
National University of Singapore
This is a book rich in scholarship and common sense. It argues for a more
regionally cohesive Asia but one in which the United States forgoes its prior
dominance in favor of a more cooperative role as Asia’s partner. As a Singaporean
steeped in both Asian and American experiences, Tay is well-positioned to offer
this timely analysis of the complex dynamics shaping developments in this
challenging pan-Pacific relationship.
T.J. Pempel
Professor, Political Science
University of California, Berkeley
Whether Simon Tay’s commentary will stand the test of the time only time can
tell. But he has written a readable and carefully thought out analysis that should
be read with keen interest and consideration on both sides of the Pacific.
John S. Wolf
U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, 1992-1995
President, Eisenhower Fellowships
Placing in relief the important perennial issue of Asian regionalism in the context
of the 2008 financial crisis, the book considers Washington’s coupling/
decoupling with Asia in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Bearing in mind
historical developments and ongoing changes in Asia, Professor Tay provides
insights on the future regional order and related options, suggesting where the
rising China is heading and the viability of ‘‘the Power of &’’—the simultaneous
burgeoning of regionalism in Asia and its engagement with the United States.
Akiko Fukushima
Senior Fellow, The Japan Foundation
Simon’s latest book offers a superb analysis of the consequence of America’s
decoupling with Asia, and presents a penetrating view why Asia and America are
still and shall continue to be codependent.
Shen Dingli
Professor and Deputy Director, Center of American Studies
Fudan University Executive Dean
Institute of International Studies (China)
Simon Tay has lucidly framed the new realities of geopolitics that result from the
Global financial crisis. There is no way back but the right way forward remains
unclear. As Tay makes clear the challenges ahead are inherent in our perceptions
of our shared future. In Asia Alone, Asian and American leaders will find a
helpful guide to their critical choices.
Peter Schwartz
Cofounder, Global Business Network
Not only is this book a clear-headed argument for the changing relationship
between the United States and Asia, and of Asians among themselves, in the wake
of the global economic crisis, but it also offers a big idea about the ways to
balance U.S.-centric bilateral relations with Asian regional integration processes.
There is much in this book to enrich the debate on seeking new ways and forms of
cooperation and interdependence between the United States and Asia.
Shin-wha Lee
Professor, Department of Political Science and
International Relations, Korea University
At a time when a rising Asia and a humbled America are causing leaders across
the Pacific to take a new look at Asia-U.S. relations, leading Asian affairs expert
Simon Tay provides a penetrating analysis of the immense challenges facing the
rapidly changing region and a thoughtful proscription for how Asians and
Americans can best work together to realize the great potential promise of this
Asia-Pacific century. Asia Alone is a terrific book!
Jamie Metzl
Executive Vice President,
Asia Society (New York)
Simon Tay’s narrative of Asian and American interaction in the future imparts
just the right balance of caution, wonder, and hope we all need to thrive in a
world of increasing connectivity and fragmentation. A sharp read for all
generations!
Mar Roxas
Senator, Republic of the Philippines
A timely book and a very good read too.
Dewi Fortuna Anwar
Professor and Deputy Chair for Social Sciences and Humanities
Indonesian Institute of Sciences
With compelling logic and vivid illustrations, Asia Alone explains the danger of
Asia’s detachment from America. Simon Tay, with his acute sense of politics and
business savvy, provides sharp analysis of how the Bush Administration ‘‘lost’’
Asia, and the region is becoming self-absorbed especially after the 2008 Global
Financial Crisis. He advocates positive sum interaction among the Asian
countries and more equal relationship between the United States and Asia.
Fluidly written, the book is a must read for not only those engage with Asian
affairs in business and foreign policy, but also anyone who ponder the future of
international relations.
Saori N. Katada
Associate Professor, School of International Relations
University of Southern California
We are living in a highly interdependent world. Neither Asia, nor the U.S. alone
could meet the new challenges. However, Asia will play a more important role in
restructuring and rebalancing the future world economy and also politics.
Zhang Yunling
Professor, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

ASIA ALONE

THE DANGEROUS POST-CRISIS

DIVIDE FROM AMERICA