Global Studies - Asia – serie

A valuable addition to ABC-CLIO's Global Studies series, this resource covers Japan in two main sections—a narrative history and an extensive general reference section.Japan: A Global Studies Handbook offers a friendly introduction to this vital, ancient country. In a series of practical, readable essays, this title explores Japan's island geography and its influence on the nation's history. Japan traces the "economic miracle" that was born in the ashes of World War II and grew into an economy seven times the size of China's—but at considerable social cost.It examines Japan's vibrant cultural traditions—from the 11th century's The Tale of Genji to karaoke, sushi, and the "salary man." Japan entices readers to continue their exploration by offering an inviting collection of jumping-off points: a timeline of Japanese history; a mini-encyclopedia of significant people, places, and events; and an annotated bibliography covering all aspects of Japanese society.A detailed timeline charts landmarks in Japanese history, from the rise of the Jomon culture in 11,000 B.C.E. to the bursting of the economic bubble in the 1990sA compendium of practical information describes Japanese customs, from gift-giving to bathing etiquette

The Koreas delivers border-to-border coverage of North and South Korea, with chapters dedicated to history and geography, social and cultural customs, and economics and politics.It's not hard to understand why Koreans describe their lives as han, which means "living with a great and sustained sorrow." In the 20th century alone, they endured a 35 year Japanese military occupation, one of the most brutal civil wars in history, and decades of occupation by rival superpowers.Yet the story of this hauntingly beautiful, mountainous land is not ultimately one of war and devastation. The Koreas: A Global Studies Handbook tells the story of a warm and generous people who have retained their distinctive language and culture despite repeated foreign occupations, achieved a literacy rate of almost 100 percent, outscored nearly every other nation in science and math, and reshaped their devastated post-war economy into one of the four tigers of Asian economic growth.Analyzes Korea's geography, history, and economic and political development, along with its current social and political problemsOffers practical information on culture and etiquette for the first-time visitor

Complete ready reference covering Chinese history, economics, politics, culture, and prevalent social problems ... a "must-have" addition to any global studies collection.Throughout its imperial golden ages, China was the world's most developed nation, home to advanced technologies, a robust economy, and thriving cities. Its thousands of years of cultural and artistic achievements combined with its vastness and ethnic complexity have made China both fascinating and forbidding for those encountering it for the first time.This new volume offers readers a concise, single-stop introduction to Chinese history, culture, economics, politics, and social issues. As they trace China's history from the creation stories of ancient Chinese myths to the Communist upheaval of the 20th century, readers will learn how the country has changed—and not changed—from early to modern times, and what life throughout China is like today.Chronology of key historical developments, which details the most important people, places, and eventsA directory of business, cultural, government, and tourist organizations to help facilitate further research and study

This authoritative, thorough volume covers a broad range of topics from history to culture to current struggles in these fascinating countries.Often overshadowed on the world stage by issues surrounding India and Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh are nonetheless vital players in this theater of Asia. Nepal and Bangladesh brings a refreshing level of clarity to a wide variety of topics surrounding both nations including history, current affairs, business and economics, culture, literature, political science, and travel.Written in a voice that speaks to general audiences from secondary instructors to interested business people and travelers to the region, this handbook paints a portrait of both countries that is at once complete and accessible. Beginning with far-reaching narrative histories of both nations the text also contains a compendium of important people and events and concludes with an exhaustive reference section.Includes A–Z entries on significant people like poet Rabindranath Tagore, places including Kathmandu and the Sundarbans, and events such as the Kot massacreProvides chronologies of key events, including the birth of Buddha in 563 B.C.E. and the 1996 Maoist "People's War" in Nepal

An all-encompassing and engrossing look at India—a land as diverse as its religions and as vibrant as its vast population.With a population second only to China's and the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, it is hard to dispute India's central role in both the history of Asian culture and in the defining position it enjoys today. Although India has grabbed media attention for its armed conflict with Pakistan, it is a nation perhaps more notable for its internal diversity and challenges than for a single external conflict.India: A Global Studies Handbook unites the geography, history, culture, notable people, and events into a wide-ranging yet concise work that brings this fascinating land to the page. Of interest to academic and general audiences, this volume presents an uncomplicated look at the varied, bustling nation of India. From geography that includes the Himalayas to a cultural fabric built upon the often-criticized caste system, India remains a land of mystery and intrigue.Narrative sections detailing the geography, history, economics, and contemporary culture of IndiaDetailed references on languages, listings of government and nongovernment organizations, and an annotated bibliography and thorough listing of print and nonprint resources

The only handbook on Vietnam that combines colorful, discursive chapters and supporting reference materials.Beginning with a lengthy introduction to Vietnam's past, this book traces the historical context that serves as a foundation for the present-day society and culture of this Southeast Asian nation. Intended for nonspecialists and other Asian enthusiasts, this work gives readers a thorough understanding of this diverse, richly storied land. From Vietnam's indigenous dynasties to outside influences including Buddhism, Confucianism, Western imperialism, and the Chinese bureaucracy system, the long path to a Vietnamese identity is traced—one that showcases a people's resilience, creativity, and intense love of freedom. This volume includes translations of numerous primary documents. From the narrative sections on Vietnamese history and society to the A–Z format of significant people and events, Vietnam: A Global Studies Handbook brings Vietnam to life.Narrative sections detail the geography, history, politics, and contemporary society of VietnamProvides an annotated bibliography of essential print and nonprint resources as well as cultural, educational, and tourist organizations

A one-stop source for essential information on the history, geography, politics, religion, economy, and culture of the fourth-most-populous country in the world.Indonesia examines precolonial periods of the country's development, as well as its independence movement. It discusses the economic collapse of the 1990s and how the resultant civil chaos impacted Indonesia's present political and social problems and its neighbors.This book also looks at the secessionist movements in West Papua and Aceh and the religious conflict in eastern Indonesia. In addition to current events, the coverage focuses on important individuals, from Javanese nobles to President Sukarno, whom some considered to be a Japanese collaborator during World War II. This is the book to have for an intriguing and enlightening glance at Indonesia.Entries cover the history, economics, politics, culture, and geography of IndonesiaAn annotated chronology describes key events in Indonesia, from the 5th century to the present

An informative guide to the recently emerged states of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, providing coverage of a broad range of political, economic, and cultural issues.As conflicts continue in Iraq and political tensions mount in China, the world is beginning to take notice of Central Asia as the crossroads between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Central Asia: A Global Studies Handbook explores the three central states of the region, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, and provides insight to their past, present, and future.The first of its kind, this reference work covers a wide range of topics on Central Asia as a whole. From the geography, history, and economics to politics, education, and religion, students and teachers will find this an informative and comprehensive research source, while business-people and travelers will discover a fascinating look into the region's society. From the times of Alexander through globalization and the politicization of Islam, the mysteries of Central Asia are finally brought to light.Includes a detailed map of each country and photos of people and places pertinent to the development of these Central Asian statesA comprehensive index is included for quick reference on numerous topics and a chronology lists key events in the history of each of the three countries

A unique, revealing look at the history and contemporary culture of the Philippine Islands and their multicultural and foreign-influenced facets.Interest in the Philippines has grown substantially over recent years. The Philippines: A Global Studies Handbook provides an all-encompassing introduction to the dramatic history of this intriguing nation as well as the contemporary social, political, economic, religious, and artistic life, written for travelers, business people, researchers, students, or general readers.The author, an award-winning professor of Asian studies, explores the effects of centuries of change and continuity on this fascinating, often contradictory land. It is a locals-eye view that gets straight to the heart of the Filipino experience—a cultural tour that measures the profound impact of the islands' Japanese, Spanish, and American conquerors, as well as the influence of Islam, the Marcos regime, and the People Power revolutions that ousted Ferdinand Marcos and, 15 years later, Joseph Estrada.An etiquette section that discusses respect and levels of interaction, first names and surnames, titles of respect, and core values versus surface valuesTwelve photographs of noteworthy figures such as physician and novelist Jose Rizal, nationalist Andres Bonifacio, and other Filipino heroes

The definitive guide to Thailand, providing a comprehensive, beyond-the-basics overview of the country, its history, economy, society, culture, and language.An essential guide that goes beyond the surface of food and fantasy, Thailand: A Global Studies Handbook offers important insight into the nation's history, culture, politics, fine arts, religion, and language. It sheds light on many often little understood facets of everyday Thai life and customs.The work covers a historical period of 800 years, documenting pivotal events and personalities, and presents an overview of the Thai economy, with a focus on the economic crisis of the 1990s and recent developments. Thai society is examined in detail, including education and the monarchy, the roles of religion, the effects of Westernization, home and family life, and current social issues. Specifically designed for general readers, students, and businesspeople, this book is a must-read when seeking an in-depth yet straightforward introduction to Thailand.