The End of the Asian Century

War, Stagnation, and the Risks to the World's Most Dynamic Region

By: Michael R. Auslin

Narrated by: Dan Woren

Since Marco Polo, the West has waited for the "Asian Century". Today the world believes that century has arrived. Yet from China's slumping economy to war clouds over the South China Sea and from environmental devastation to demographic crisis, Asia's future is increasingly uncertain.

Historian and geopolitical expert Michael Auslin argues that far from being a cohesive powerhouse, Asia is a fractured region threatened by stagnation and instability. Here he provides a comprehensive account of the economic, military, political, and demographic risks that bedevil half of our world, arguing that Asia, working with the United States, has a unique opportunity to avert catastrophe - but only if it acts boldly.

Bringing together firsthand observations and decades of research, Auslin's provocative reassessment of Asia's future will be a must-listen for industry and investors, as well as politicians and scholars, for years to come.

©2017 Michael R. Auslin (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A sobering, highly-informative read

Michael Auslin's book is worth readers' (and listeners') attention. I have not come across a more insight description of the serious risks to peace and continuing prosperity in this important region. Strongly recommended.

Wake up Call

Honest picture from all participants perspectives. Portrays China as the problem. Face it historically china has been the dominant power in the region. Kissinger and Nixon's opening of China in the 70s started the ball rolling downhill. Good backgrounder on the Pacific situation. Anyone with a dog in the fight (Americans) should read this if only to understand why people there behave the way they do. Well written easy to understand.

Interesting but naive conclusions

The author could not have foreseen how Donald Trump would undermine pretty much everyone one of the proposals for a strong U.S. role in Asia. That said, I cringed a bit when the author sees the U.S. political mode as the world's role model which is laughable today. Had the author brought in more diverse points of view in the conclusion rather than such a Washington centric point of view the book would have far more compelling.