This book is a bold affirmation of the Asian -miracle- of development, an explanation of the reasons for its success, and a review of its implications. As McCord reminds us, understanding why and how these nations have propelled themselves so far, so fast, is a key to anticipating the destiny of much of the rest of the world.

Despite their interest, analysts have been confounded in attempts to explain Asian development-without resources and colonies, without internal violence, and broadly distributing wealth as they have grown. Existing theories of development offer little...