Book excerpt: Although there is general acknowledgement of the great variety of cultures among Asian countries, strong themes of familiarity, mutual understanding, coherence and solidarity persists among them as a result of the numerous mutual cultural and religious contacts and interconnections that developed over the course of centuries. The examination of international law and its application in Asia can reveal the shared history of the continent, but also its unique development in each Asian state:00Incorporating the work of numerous leading scholars, the Encyclopedia of Public International Law in Asia provides a detailed description of the practice and implementation of international law in various Asian states. The Encyclopedia covers the introduction of Western international law; the resulting shift from Asian international law and the development of international law; and the impact that all of this has had on Asian states.