Rethinking the Pacific

Book excerpt: Parts of the Pacific region are of increasing importance for international security and prosperity. But in this, the first study of the trends in the international relations of the region, Segal demonstrates that the pacific never has been, and gives no indication of becoming, a coherent region. In fact, the vital developments taking place in the region are best understood in the context of global trends. The study provides historical perspective to the idea of the Pacific, and then analyzes the fundamental trends in politics, ideology, culture, security, and economic affairs.