In a fast-moving and incisive narrative, Roger Buckley examines America's close and continuous relationship with the Asia-Pacific region from the end of the Pacific War to the first days of the Presidency of George W. Bush. The author traces the responses of the United States government to the major crises in the area through the Cold War decades and the initial post-Cold War years. He demonstrates how the US sought to maintain its dominant regional position through a series of security alliances and its own political, military and economic strengths. Professor Buckley examines the subject from geopolitical perspectives to provide a gateway to the understanding of a complex region certain to be of global importance in the twenty-first century.

‘Buckley’s narrative is outstanding … a book in which the author’s interpretation of events is clearly stated and supported … This makes for informative reading, as well as providing teachers with useful pedagogical devices …[Buckley is] able to communicate [his] insights to the world beyond academia … required reading for any policy-maker who deal with one of the most dynamic and challenging regions of the world.’

Source: International Affairs

‘It is always a pleasure to read the work of Roger Buckley, a senior scholar in the field … the book will serve undergraduates and general readers excellently - buckley presents a number of theses deserving consideration from specialists as well … His assessment of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is especially illuminating … one would be hard put to find a more masterful survey of the region and era than this, especially with such economy of expression. It is a terrific little book.’

Source: Pacific Historical Review

‘… [the author] has no axe to grind and his open-minded approach allows for a freshness and an immediacy to the narrative of events that most students will find appealing. Buckley uses his familiarity with British and Japanese as well as American documents and archives to good effect … The real strengths of this book stem not only from the historical narrative, but from the authors appreciation of the diversity of the region and of the instabilities that lurk just below the surface that continue to make the American role indispensable for friend and adversary alike.’

Source: Survival

'… a fine, clear backbone to any study of its subject; Buckley should be congratulated for his clarity, brevity, and insight.'

Source: Perspectives on Political Science

'… enlightens and educates. I recommend this book to all who wish to quickly gain a basic understanding of how U.S. policies affect the Asia-Pacific region.'

Source: Military Review