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A collaborative effort by scholars from the United States, China, and Japan, this volume focuses on the period 1972-1989, during which all three countries, brought together by a shared geopolitical strategy, established mutual relations with one another despite differences in their histories, values, and perceptions of their own national interest. Although each initially conceived of its political and security relations with the others in bilateral terms, the three in fact came to form an economic and political triangle during the 1970s and 1980s. But this triangle is a strange one whose dynamics are constantly changing. Its corners (the three countries) and its sides (the three bilateral relationships) are unequal, while its overall nature (the capacity of the three to work together) has varied considerably as the economic and strategic positions of the three have changed and post–Cold War tensions and uncertainties have emerged.

In considering this special era, when the three major powers in the East Asia region engaged in positive interaction, the essays in this volume highlight the importance of this triangular reality in achieving a workable framework for future regional and global cooperation. ... Read more

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The Rashomon of history
Recent events in Northeast Asia have reinforced the importance and salience of US-China-Japan relations. These political relationships are generally described, analyzed and maintained from a bilateral perspective. However, as the title suggests, the editors of "The Golden Age of the US-China-Japan Triangle, 1972-1989" maintain that during this particular timeframe, the relationships of each country were not only amicable, but also connected to a degree in which they could be described as an economic and political "constructive triangle". It is often said that you can not know where you are going until you know where you have been. In that regard this book offers a detailed look at the historical evolution of US-Japan-China relations and gives a clue of what the future may hold.
The editors, respected scholars from Harvard, Peking and Tokyo Universities, have collected nine essays from academics of each country. These authors detail what conditions prompted this brief period of cooperation to blossom, what maintained it, and lastly, what factors brought the era to an end. Furthermore, they examine in minute detail the domestic and structural aspects which drove each state's bilateral relations during this timeframe.
Two important events provided the bookends for the period of 1972-1989; the first is Nixon's stunning rapprochement with China, the second is the Tiananmen Square incident. In addition, the unique strategic conditions of the Cold War provided the adhesive glue that kept the US-China-Japan trilateral relationship together. While the Tiananmen Square incident created a strain on US/China and Japan/China relations, it was ultimately the end of the shared Soviet threat that eroded the very raison d'etre of the strategic triangle.
The book was organized into four main sections. Part 1 detailed the domestic atmosphere that influenced the foreign policies of each respective country. Untied States foreign policy was dominated in the early part of this period by the realist influenced strategic thinking of Nixon and Kissinger. Later years became more nuanced as foreign policy became less dominated by the White House. As Congress took on a larger role, influence groups and the media became more influential in determining the direction of foreign policy. China's foreign policy, on the other hand, was continually marked by strong central rule, first by Mao and followed by Deng Xiaoping. Japan's foreign policy was to a certain extent largely subjugated to US foreign policy interests and goals. A prevailing theme throughout the book was Japan's role as a junior partner in this "constructive triangle".
Part 2 - 5 analyzed the bilateral relations of each country. This was done from the perspective of every country (i.e. US-China & China-US). The juxtaposition of the same account from different perspectives led itself to a very detailed and nuanced examination of each dyad. Because this was a historical study, there tended not to be any particular theoretical approach that the authors used to explain the narrative. However, within each chapter the respective author possessed their own distinct methods and bias for interpreting events.
The authors of the US-China relations section painted a scenario in which both countries were eager to form a strategic relationship to counter the perceived Soviet threat. However, due to the Watergate scandal and U.S. administrative changes, it took a number of years to achieve final normalization in 1979. The relationship was mostly stable throughout the 1980's, but had moments of tension due to U.S. support of Taiwan. US-Japan relations were well established prior to 1972, but suffered strain as a result of the so-called "Nixon Shock" of U.S. rapprochement of China without prior notification of Japanese officials. However, the US/Japan security alliance formed an unshakeable backbone on which United States-Japan relations rested on. While the relationship was fundamentally strong, numerous trade disputes and U.S. fear of Japan's economic growth created moments of acrimony during parts of the 1980's. Finally, the editors devoted the least amount of ink to China-Japan relations. Japan's close relationship with the U.S. precluded it from forming ties with China prior to 1972. However once the United States signaled its intention to normalize relations with China, Japan quickly followed suit. Japan felt that its relations with China were non-strategic and therefore was reluctant to sign the anti-hegemony clause, which the Chinese established as a precondition to formal relations. Japan felt that this clause targeted the Soviet Union. Japan signed the clause in 1978 at the urging of the United States but not before adding an addendum specifying that the clause does not refer to any particular third party. Japanese relations with China closely mirrored the ups and downs of U.S.-China relations. However, Japan was less willing to freeze relations or criticize Chinese authorities after the Tiananmen incident. As a result friendly China-Japan relations extended past 1989 and high points included the Japanese Emperor's visit to China and Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan in 1992.
This book provides an excellent historical examination of the U.S.-China-Japan security, political and economic triangle. Each chapter is richly detailed with information, insights and anecdotes into the foreign policy motivation and decision making process that resulted from each country's individual strategic goals and domestic pressures. Each chapter is a self-contained unit and written chronologically, making it a valuable reference source. However, the comprehensive nature of overlapping and dual/multiple perspectives also lent itself to redundancy. The reader often found himself reading accounts of certain key events from six separate authors. In addition, because each thematic chapter was authored by a different individual, there is no overarching thread in which to create a running narrative or a clear conclusion. Nonetheless, the book will prove invaluable to individuals wishing to obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation of U.S.-China-Japan relations. This book provides historical depth and it gives a solid base on which to interpret current bilateral relations.
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Documents the use of geomorphological maps to study natural hazards in the Asia-Pacific region. The maps included not only allow of the estimation of flooding, but also prediction of soil liquefaction caused by earthquakes. Includes a removable geomorphological color map. ... Read more

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The First Kamchatka Expedition is a classic among the voyages of discovery, being famous for the discovery of the Bering Strait between Asia and North America. Chaplin's journal holds a special place among the documents of the expedition. It is the only official document that preserves its history in detail, day by day, from the author's departure from St. Petersburg on 24 January 1725 until his return to the Russian capital on 1 March 1730. The publication includes introductory articles and commentary by leading specialists, a glossary, indexes, and maps. ... Read more

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The Indian Ocean, used and travelled by humans for over 5000 years, is by far the 'oldest' sea in history. In this stimulating and authoritative overview, Michael Pearson reverses the traditional angle of maritime history and looks from the sea to its shores -its impact on the land through trade, naval power, travel and scientific exploration. This vast ocean, both connecting and separating nations, has shaped many countries' cultures and ideologies through the movement of goods, people, ideas and religions across the sea. The Indian Ocean moves from a discussion of physical elements, its shape, winds, currents and boundaries, to a history from pre-Islamic times to the modern period of European dominance. Going far beyond pure maritime history, this compelling survey is an invaluable addition to political, cultural and economic world history.

Customer Reviews (1)

Routledge, hear me!
This is a splendid book that I would love to use as the core text in a new course on the Indian Ocean.To paraphrase Alfred Doolittle, "I'm willing to use it, I'm wanting to use it, I'm waiting to use it."But I will not ask my students to pay $100 for it:in the absence of expensive color plates or other kinds of graphics, I have a hard time seeing why a 300-plus page book costs so much.I have been hoping for a paperback issue but see no indications that such might be forthcoming. ... Read more

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Simon Winchester's brilliant chronicle of the destruction of the Indonesian island of Krakatoa in 1883 charts the birth of our modern world. He tells the story of the unrecognized genius who beat Darwin to the discovery of evolution; of Samuel Morse, his code and how rubber allowed the world to talk; of Alfred Wegener, the crack-pot German explorer and father of geology. In breathtaking detail he describes how one island and its inhabitants were blasted out of existence and how colonial society was turned upside-down in a cataclysm whose echoes are still felt to this day.Amazon.com Review
It may seem a stretch to connect a volcanic eruption with civil and religious unrest in Indonesia today, but Simon Winchester makes a compelling case. Krakatoa tells the frightening tale of the biggest volcanic eruption in history using a blend of gentle geology and narrative history. Krakatoa erupted at a time when technologies like the telegraph were becoming commonplace and Asian trade routes were being expanded by northern European companies. This bustling colonial backdrop provides an effective canvas for the suspense leading up to August 27th, 1883, when the nearby island of Krakatoa would violently vaporize. Winchester describes the eruption through the eyes of its survivors, and readers will be as horrified and mesmerized as eyewitnesses were as the death toll reached nearly 40,000 (almost all of whom died from tsunamis generated by the unimaginably strong shock waves of the eruption). Ships were thrown miles inshore, endless rains of hot ash engulfed those towns not drowned by 100 foot waves, and vast rafts of pumice clogged the hot sea. The explosion was heard thousands of miles away, and the eruption's shock wave traveled around the world seven times. But the book's biggest surprise is not the riveting catalog of the volcano's effects; rather, it is Winchester's contention that the Dutch abandonment of their Indonesian colonies after the disaster left local survivors to seek comfort in radical Islam, setting the stage for a volatile future for the region. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (233)

Krakatau
I teach Erath Science, and this book made the study of tectonics much more interesting, especially in imagining what awaits us, possibly Yellowstone erupting bigger, but especially in understanding what is still going on at the same faultline during our lifetime.

Balances History And Science
The explosion of the volcano at Krakatoa, Java, on August 27, 1883, was loud enough to be heard on Rodriguez Island in the Indian Ocean 2968 miles away. The eruption was the fifth largest known volcanic explosion in human history, and it caused the greatest loss of life of any known volcanic disaster. More than 40,000 people were killed, mostly by a series of massive tsunamis. One of these waves drove the Dutch gunship Berouw over a mile and a half up a river, killing all aboard.

Simon Winchester tells the story of the disaster from both the historical and geological perspectives. The explosion was not just a geological cataclysm. It was one of the very first truly global news stories, and it marked the beginning of the end of Dutch rule, and the first stirrings of militant Islam in East Asia.

Winchester provides a host of fascinating details as he traces the weeks and days leading up the the explosion, as well as the background of the Dutch presence in Java and the development of plate tectonics, the theory that finally allowed scientists to understand the mechanism of subduction zone volcanoes like Krakatoa.

He also follows the aftermath of the eruption. The island of Krakatoa itself was obliterated in the blast, but a new volcanic island has risen from the sea, and has provided scientists with a natural laboratory to study a rare instance of primary succession.

Winchester does a nice job of mixing the historical and scientific details surrounding this literally Earth-shaking event.

Riveting, Fantastic, Detailed and Informative
Taking the book home there was no realization of the fun i was going to get from reading it. Even though in modern times an event that occured more than a century ago does not seem very relevant to be discussed in detail, Winchester weaves a spell over his readers with the potion of his writing, his in-depth knowledge and relentless research. With the description of the history leading up to the Krakatoa explosion the author enchants the curious minds by the events that give a fair glance into the lives of all those affected by the disaster. More importantly the scientific (geological, geographical, anthropological, botanical, zoological...) information in the book is a fun to read. This is quality writing that is extremely engaging and better than any fiction you are likely to buy.

Krakatoa by S. Winchester
Simon Winchester's work is uniformly excellent.This is far and away the best discussion of the eruption of Krakatoa out there.When you are done, you will feel as though you must have lived through those times.He covers everything from the paradigm shift of plate tectonics in modern Geology to the rise of Islamist fundamentalism in the area as a result of the oppression of the colonial powers.You will even learn about the developing global communications network's beginnings with intercontinental telegraphy and news services.Not to be missed.

great historical novel
If you enjoy reading/listening to historical novels, you must try this audio book.Mr. Manchester's accent lends a wonderful element to one of the most catastrophic events in modern times.He not only tells the story of Krakataubut also the the geology, the history and the present situation of Ana Krakatau. The lives ofmany of the unfortunate citizens are documented and the narration of the three might;y blasts of Aug 27, 1883 are amazing. Either purchase the book or stick with the audio book, if you are too busy to sit down and read. You will not be disappointed. ... Read more

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This volume traces the history of the region that eventually became Indonesia in more than 200 specially drawn colour maps and accompanying text. ... Read more

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Expensive but worth it
I borrowed a copy of this via interlibrary loan while working on my own new book COOL MAPS OF INDONESIA (Nimble Books LLC 2007).The HISTORICAL ATLAS OF INDONESIA is a very useful scholarly compendium of hundreds if not thousands of maps developed using a very extensive GIS.Features I particularly liked were a list of islands over x size and a map that showed name changes next to islands.Most of the maps are based on modern era data.This would be an excellent reference for any library. Indeed, I might say it's a must purchase, given that Indonesia has the 4th largest population of any country in the world. ... Read more

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This volume focuses upon the relationship between South Africa, Southern Africa and the association of Indian Ocean Rim countries. The latter, initiated by South Africa, India, Mauritius and Australia, is an economic grouping formalised in March 1997 with an initial membership of 14 and a projected membership of at least double that number. The book, the first of its kind, traces the historical development of the Southern African-Indian Ocean relationship and analyses current political and economic developments in terms of the development of this new regional grouping. ... Read more

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Portraits of Burmese pro-democracy students strugglingagainst that country's military regime along its borders. ... Read more

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About This Book
The artist/photographer's breakthrough collection of color portrait photographs. Destined to be a 21st-century photography classic. Limited Edition of 1000 signed copies. A brilliant production by Chris Pichler: Oversize-volume format. Cloth boards with titles on cover and spine, as issued. Photographs by Chan Chao. Preface by Jeffrey Hoone. Afterword by Amitav Ghosh. In pictorial DJ with titles on the cover and spine, as issued. Presents the artist/photographer's uncanny, arresting and moving portraits in color of the Burmese people who are dedicated to the Resistance against the lawless Burmese government. "Chan Chao returned to Burma with the intention of rediscovering and reconnecting with the culture and people he had left years before. Twice denied a visa by the Burmese government, Chao eventually made his way to the Thai-Burmese border, where students had established several camps to launch guerrilla attacks against the military regime that controlled Burma, with the goal of restoring democracy to the country. Chao's portraits are remarkable for the sense of calm and tenderness that he draws out of each of his subjects. Each portrait is made from an intimate distance, generously placing each subject in the center of the frame surrounded by the soft focus of the lush jungle beyond. In many of his portraits the subjects hold simple objects: a sickle, a saw, a large piece of fruit, a live chicken. These simple objects provide an elegant solution to the problem of portraiture where individuals are often unsure of what to do with their hands, and in that uncertainty convey stiff and formal poses. But the objects are also disarming because they signal the activities of a simple agrarian life, not one of armed resistance. This contradiction plays heavily into the power that each image conveys, because each person that Chao photographs displays a remarkable range of honesty and emotion that seems to long for a return to the simple pleasures of family, work, and relaxation" (Jeffrey Hoone). The prestigious art critic of The New Yorker Magazine considered Chan Chao's contribution to the 2002 Whitney Biennial, the most prestigious contemporary American art exhibition of its kind, to be one of just two truly worthwhile reasons for seeing the Biennial at all: "Chan Chao's pictures remind me why I like art. Addressing his subjects with scrupulous formality, he extends his medium to see and say what there is to be seen and said" (Peter Schjeldahl). © 2006, ModernRare.com ... Read more

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This book is about the mythologies of land exploration, and about space and the colonial enterprise in particular. It is an innovative investigation of the presumptions, aesthetics and politics of Australian explorers' texts that shows that they are not the simple, unadorned observations their authors would have us believe. The book argues that contact with Aborigines are occasions of discursive contest. It scrutinizes and undermines the scientific and literary methodology of exploration. It will be a crucial text for readers in cultural, postcolonial and Australian studies. ... Read more