The Asian Mediterranean: Port cities and trading networks in China, Japan and Southeast Asia

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This insightful book draws upon a wide range of disciplines – political economy, geography and international relations – to examine how Asia has returned to its central position in the world economy.

As in the case of the hosting of the Olympic games, it is cities rather than states which compete, whether as financial centres, logistical hubs or platforms for coordinating international subcontracting. Analysing the historical precedents of the Mediterranean maritime republics, the Baltic Sea Hanseatic League and the South China Sea mercantile kingdoms, the book delineates the way stable economic and legal institutions were developed largely beyond the purview of, and at times in conflict with, the State.

Discussing the strong link between history and contemporary economic situation, The Asian Mediterranean will appeal to academics, including post-graduate students of economics, geography, history, regional studies and Asian studies.