Coming Full Circle

This comparative economic history explores the major regions around the Pacific Rim. Beginning with a critique of the popular notion of a "Pacific region", paying particular attention to the role of geography and the environment, economic performance, European impacts and population distribution, the book covers the diverse indigenous development of pre-European times, later periods of direct European influence, and the evolution of modern-day urban societies in the regions. It finally analyzes the rise of the United States and Japan as regional economic powers. The historical perspective of the book throws light on the most important relationships in the region today, as well as on the prospects for future economic development and political co-operation.