Asia

“Asia’s Potential as a World Power”

Asia’s unpredicted, unprecedented economic growth over the past few decades instills other world powers, such as Europe and the U.S., with “fear” – fear of losing out to low-cost competition, fear of losing access to natural resources, and “fear of losing power and influence.” Although Asia consists of vastly diverse countries (culturally, geographically, socially and politically), increased economic integration between its nations allows observers to “take a holistic look at Asia” and broadly discuss the continent as a single entity. Will Asia maintain its current growth rates in the future? How will its economic metamorphosis affect Europe and the rest of the world? Here’s what some of the leading experts on contemporary Asia think:

• “Demographic Dynamics of Asia” – “Demography is destiny,” claimed French sociologist Auguste Comte. If that is true, then Asia’s future role in the world economy holds vast potential: Asia is home to 60% of the world’s population. It houses the majority of the world’s consumers and manufacturers, and has an advantageous ratio of workers to dependents. However, Asia is in “demographic transition...