Here is an expansive study of some key Asian economies, taking into account their political, social and geographic realities. Rather than a simple account of their statistical development, a cross-disciplinary approach is used to deepen understanding of their economic environment, economic behavior, and their economic and social motivations. Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, the ASEAN economies, Vietnam, Russia, China and the Overseas Chinese are all subject to this analysis, capturing the motivations and mechanisms which drive these diverse economies.