Book excerpt: This title provides concise, clear definitions of the terms, organizations and personalities making up the economic and political fabric of East Asia. Containing up-to-date, detailed information, this book will prove a key reference to anyone studying the region, an area which is coming to the forefront of international affairs. Short essays on recent history and the economy profile of each country in the region, while other entries detail eminent politicians or heads of state, important national and international organizations, political parties, religions, border disputes and geographical features.