Recognizing the dawning of the Pacific century and its implications for the United States, this textbook explores the economic, political, and social development of the countries of the Asia Pacific and analyzes past, present, and future U.S. policy responses. Houseman compares and contrasts various levels of development within the region, emphasizing especially trade, security, and human rights issues. He concludes with recommendations for U.S. policymaking acknowledging the realities of shrinking political and economic influence in the post-Cold War era.