How Asia Works: Success and Failure in the World's Most Dynamic Region

Why did some Asian countries industrialize quickly and successfully—rapidly becoming developed and rich countries—while others have continued to flounder? Studwell combines history and geopolitical analysis to present a clear argument that explains current events in Asia. The thesis centers around how land reform—specifically communist-inspired redistribution of land to many people—empowered capitalist economic industrialization.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read and coherent, and effectively explains development strategies and policies that have worked and haven't worked across Asia. If geopolitics is interesting to you, you'll probably enjoy this book.