Rethinking the Pacific

Parts of the Pacific region are of increasing importance for international security and prosperity. But in this, the first study of the trends in the international relations of the region, Segal demonstrates that the Pacific never has been, and gives no indication of becoming, a coherent region. In fact, the vital developments taking place in the region are best understood in the context of global trends. The study provides historical perspective to the idea of the Pacific, and then analyzes the fundamental trends in politics, ideology, culture, security, and economic affairs.Table of ContentIntroduction to the Pacific; Part I. The evolution of Pacific politics: Spreading around the rim; 1500-1850: Discovery and rivalry; 1850-1920: The rise of Japan; 1920-1945: The Pacific revolution; Part II. Culture and ideology: Thinking Pacific; Decolonization; Ideologies; Culture and place in the world; Migration; Communications and culture; Part III. The military dimension: Past conflicts; Hot conflicts; Controlled conflicts; Potential conflicts; Alliances; Arms control and disarmament; Part IV. The economic dimension: Pacific prosperity; The United States and Japan; The newly industrialized countries; South-east Asia; The communist Pacific; The White commonwealth; The fringes of Pacific trade; Economic integration; Conclusions: Patterns in the Pacific.