Asia and the Pacific in the 1970's : the roles of the United States, Australia and and New Zealand

Abstract

The political character of the Asian and Pacific region is now being rudely shaken by the consequences of the Vietnam War. It is timely, therefore, to survey the present situation and the likely course of events in the region. Three broad themes emerge from this book: the fundamental change of mood in the United States and the likely consequences of a reduced American presence in Asia; the extent to which Japan is expected to dominate the region in the seventies; and the probable course of the ANZUS relationship itself. Three national viewpoints are reflected in the arguments of the contributors. The American view is preoccupied not only with the interests of the United States but with the shaping of events themselves. Australian and New Zealand concerns, however, are generally seen to be focused more specifically on the likely consequences of events on their own interests. If one concluding thought emerges, it is a pessimistic one. This is a time of revolutionary change throughout the world and especially in Asia. The world is less manageable than was once supposed. The crust of order, whether international or domestic, is dangerously thin. This is a survey of vital concern to all students of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States.