One aspect that overwhelmingly defines the second half of the 20th century is the remarkable economic growth of Asia. This book offers a comprehensive view of the various factors - scientific, technological, and economic - that enabled the region to make a brilliant comeback after centuries of oppression. The past is often a mirror into the future. By exploring these factors from a historical perspective, the book attempts to look into the future and predict what the twenty-first century and the new millennium will bring.

The remarkable economic growth of Asia has been the defining feature of the second half of this century. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the scientific, technological and economic factors which enabled Asia to make such a strong comeback after centuries of oppression. This historical survey offers useful lessons for the future, and guides predictions for how Asia might face up to the new challenges of the next millennium.