Asian Studies - 2011 [antikvár]

Preface I am delighted that the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting has inspired the Hungárián Institute of International Affairs to publish this book, Asian Studies - 2011. The authors are among the best experts in Hungary, thus I am convinced that their papers will greatly contribute to the research of Asia-Europe relations. The ASEM is a unique fórum which represents a pioneering dialogue between Asia and Europe, the cradles of the most ancient centres of civilisation. The two continents with over half of the global population now comprise over 60% of world trade, and account for more than half of the global GDP. The ASEM initiative has provided an opportunity for cooperation on an equal and reciprocal basis for over 15 successful years. The success of the ASEM process is clearly seen from the fact of its popularity, proved by the rapidly increasing number of its participants, now coming close to fifty members, and the further interest expressed by many other countries in joining the dialogue. Despite its enlargement, the efficiency of the fórum must be preserved and the bipolar (Europe-Asia) model of cooperation must be retained. Besides their obvious and historical differences, Asia and Europe share a number of important similarities as well. On the broadest perspective, they are two continents with very long histories, proudly and firmly anchored national cultures. Economically, both are traditionally open to foreign trade and investment, and, therefore, have a strong common interest in an open international economic and financial system. Both have complex models of society, which put a high price on the need to control the forces of globalisation. They are seeking to preserve the positive features of their complex economic and social models, while retaining the capacity to change in the face of rapidly evolving circumstances. The interdependence of the two continents provides numerous opportunities for evolving and deepening cooperation. Europe and Asia alsó face many common acute global issues and policy challenges - whether they relate to economics, development, or social and humán security. The agenda of the ASEM fórum with its three pillars, the political, economic and socio-cultural fields, allow7 us to address these opportunities and challenges with a common, thus more effective and productive approach.