What does the East Asian welfare model actually offer, and does it really exist? In this study of the subject, the authors explore the experiences of six societies in East Asia and examine the realities behind the political rhetoric. The role of the state within welfare systems is compared via case studies of pensions, health insurance, housing and personal social services.

For many politicians and observers in the West, East Asia has provided a broad range of positive images of the state's intervention in society. Neoliberals grew excited by popular welfare systems that cost little in expenditure and bureaucracy. Social-democrats thought they had found a model for social cohesion and equality. In fact the reality in East Asia is rather different from these stereotypes.
In this book six specialists of six different societies in East Asia (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Hong Kong) examine the role of the state in their welfare systems. There...

Both Europe and the Asia Pacific agree their relationship is important. For many years it has been considered the weakest leg of the trilateral international system with US/Asia Pacific relations at the forefront. In the last few years, however, real efforts have been made to broaden and enhance the ties that bind Europe and Asia. This book is organized into five sections that examine the basic aspects of Europe/Asia Pacific relations. The first covers the historical background, the second is concerned with the contemporary political setting and the third with the vitally important economic...

Europe and the Asia-Pacific is the most wide-ranging and accessible book currently available on the increasingly important relationship between these two regions. Compiled by leading experts, it covers the historical background, contemporary political setting and the vitally important economic aspects of this relationship.
Moving on to deal with security considerations and policy decisions it provides valuable insights into the developing partnership between Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Rigorous and up-to-date, it is born out of the work of the Council for Asia-Europe cooperation...

Attempts to define the Asian Crisis and its future course continue to be hotly contested. Towards Recovery in Pacific Asia deals with financial and industrial reform, defence policies, the 'Asian-Values' debate, corruption and croneyism; as well as China, Japan and intra-regional affairs. Rather than trying to resolve the heated debate about the causes of the crisis, this book reflects on underlying trends to examine the possible paths of recovery. Bringing together experts in the field, Towards Recovery in Pacific Asia suggests that recovery is by no means impossible nor as...

Attempts to define the Asian Crisis and its future course continue to be hotly contested. Towards Recovery in Pacific Asia deals with financial and industrial reform, defence policies, the 'Asian-Values' debate, corruption and croneyism; as well as China, Japan and intra-regional affairs. Rather than trying to resolve the heated debate about the causes of the crisis, this book reflects on underlying trends to examine the possible paths of recovery. Bringing together experts in the field, Towards Recovery in Pacific Asia suggests that recovery is by no means impossible nor as...