The aim of this book is to examine and compare the integration process in both Europe and Asia, and to draw some possible lessons for East Asia from the European experience, which culminated with the establishment of the economic and monetary union. The book embraces the political dimension of integration (peace and security), economic, trade and monetary aspects, and cultural aspects. Written by well-known experts in the field of integration, this book represents one of the first attempts at comparing Europe and Asia in the process of integration, by incorporating the latest developments in the field. The main theme of the book - integration in Asia from a comparative perspective - has been relatively unexplored as most experts in the field of integration are also 'area experts' (i.e. European integration experts or Asian experts). The contributors to the book provide a distinctive perspective based upon their understanding of integration (political, economic, and socio-cultural) across various regions of the world.
