Global Asia

Dear Reader,

In this second issue of Global Asia, a journal of the East Asia Foundation, we take a comprehensive look at nationalism and identity politics in the three countries most embroiled in a debate about regional history – Japan, China and South Korea.

In doing so, we aim to highlight the risks posed by certain forms of nationalism, but also to point the way forward to a politics of collective identity that honors the unique historical, cultural, and national identities of each country, while also laying the foundations for greater understanding, integration, and lasting peace and prosperity for the entire region.

We are grateful that the Republic of Korea’s President Roh Moo-hyun, in a Global Asia exclusive, agreed to make a special contribution to this issue, outlining his reflections on “History, Nationalism and a Northeast Asian Community.” He provides the unusual perspective of a head of state on the issues discussed by our other distinguished contributors to this theme.

This Spring 2007 issue of Global Asia also features a lively debate over free trade and what it means for Asia’s farmers, plus articles on the significance of India’s “soft power;” a new framework for the U.S.-China relationship; why a U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement matters for both countries; how Asia’s youth are forging a common culture; and what the world can expect if America adopts the Princeton Project on National Security’s vision of “A World of Liberty Under Law.”

We are pleased to announce that beginning with our next issue of Global Asia, which will appear in September, we will begin publishing quarterly. As we mentioned last fall in the inaugural issue, our aim is to provide a compelling, serious, and responsible forum for distinguished thinkers, policymakers, political leaders and business people to debate the most important issues in Asia today.

The Fall 2007 issue of Global Asia will probe the role and purpose of American power in Asia, and what Asia expects and wants of America in the region. Our Winter 2007 issue will feature an in-depth exploration of Asia’s importance to the mission of the United Nations, and the role of the U.N. in Asia. We have lots more planned in the quarters ahead, as you will see.

We are deeply grateful to you for your very positive reception to our first issue of Global Asia in September 2006. That response encouraged us to accelerate our plans to publish quarterly, rather than twice-yearly. We are pleased that you share our sense of urgency to provide a forum for Asia to speak to the world, and the world to Asia.

As always, let us know what you think.

Sincerely yours,

Chung-in Moon, Editor-in-Chief

David Plott, Managing Editor