Book review: Bridging the growing divide

Asia divided from America: a scenario many hope will not happen. However, such a division is becoming increasingly probable as post-crisis trends seem to point toward a divorce of the two economies as Asia steams ahead in forging its own path, without America. The Asia-America partnership, valuable and indeed critical to both since the end of the Second World War, may cease precipitately if a new engagement and rebalancing act is not reached.

Author Simon Tay shares his perspectives gained from many years of observation and involvement at the highest levels in his new book, Asia Alone: The Dangerous Post-Crisis Divide from America. In this lucidly written and thought-provoking book, Tay highlights the accelerating trends toward America's decoupling with Asia and presents a penetrating analysis of why Asia and America are still and shall continue to be co-dependent. He also describes the path forward, including new policy directions as well as shifts in underlying attitudes on each side required to avoid this separation and to achieve a shared future.

As Asia develops economically and begins to cooperate and take a greater stake in the regional and world order, America must engage with Asia in context and as co-equals.