The vast populations of China and India are just one of the reasons as to why some scholars predict the 21st century will be dominated by Asian states. While the ‘Asian century’ is viewed as a threat to some, others see it as a real opportunity for greater wealth distribution and increased participation in global affairs by states, societies and regions that have previously been overlooked.

Learning Summary: Regional Futures

At the completion of our final learning pathway, you should be able to identify and explain the key issues facing countries in the Asia-Pacific region in the 21st century. You should also be able to identify and evaluate the key opportunities for countries in the Asia-Pacific, and you should be able to critically evaluate government responses to these issues and opportunities.

We hope you have enjoyed your studies throughout the course and, if you have completed them, the other micro courses.. By using the pedagogy of discovery it has been our desire that throughout the course you would be able to tailor your learning to your own tastes and interests. We hope this has been achieved and that this pedagogy has helped sustain your interest throughout the course.

We also hope that you have learned a great deal about Asia and the Pacific. Knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region will be important as the century progresses. By becoming more aware of the diversity within the region, we will be better able to understand the region, its peoples and societies, its politics and religions, and the economic opportunities and challenges it offers and faces.