Book review: Easternisation: War And Peace In The Asian Century

SINCE 1500 the ‘Western’ nations, initially the warring, seafaring European kingdoms, and latterly America, have dominated the world economy. 

Gideon Rachman

Bodley Head, £20;

ebook £9.99)

Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times, cogently puts forward the case that Easternisation is the trend of the 21st century.

The forerunner for global supremacy is China, but Rachman also reflects on the strength of a more youthful India, the future of other regional powers such as Japan, and how all Eastern nations are increasing their sphere of influence.

In this study, the fate of Europe is rather bleak, a continent struggling with ageing populations and sluggish economies.

However, living standards will remain the envy of the world and the West’s best chance of staying relevant is through its strong institutions remaining trusted and fair.

Some of the major tumultuous events of our eraare all the better understood when taking in this geopolitical book.