Rethinking Asia 3: Political and Social Change

“Since the first Asia Leadership Trek was organized in 2013, it continues to play an essential role in the Harvard University graduate school experience, exposing emerging leaders to locations across Asia whilst providing them with the experiential opportunity to directly investigate political, economic, industrial, and societal issues with thought-leaders and organizations.”

Hungsoo S. Kim
Founding President, Center for Asia Leadership

--

The 21st century is often touted as the Age of Asia, driven by an increasingly affluent and growing middle class hungry for progress and development. But what is the motivation for growth? Are current leaders in sync with the needs and aspirations of the next generation? In Rethinking Asia 3: Political and Social Change, graduate students and Fellows from Harvard, MIT, Tufts and Colombia University who participated in three Asia Leadership Treks and seven Asia Leadership Fellowship Tours organized in 2016, attempt to tackle these questions and more. In addition to venturing for the first time to Central Asia, covering Dushanbe in Tajikistan; Bishkek and Osh in Kyrgyzstan; Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan; and Tashkent and Samarkand in Uzbekistan, Trekkers and Fellows also made visits to Dhaka, Taipei as well as Shanghai, Singapore, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Seoul, Incheon, Pohang and Tokyo. From these countries, the Trekkers and Fellows seek to unearth what inspires current leaders in business, government and social enterprise to go beyond their limits and build a thriving Asia for tomorrow’s generations.

--

“As the world becomes more globalized, Asia is undergoing a rapid and remarkable transformation in terms of economic growth, human development, and political and social importance. This book chronicles the journeys of global talents across Asia to discover why the future belongs to the world’s largest and most populous region.”

Dean Williams, Ph.D.
Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government

--

“This book serves as a wonderful introduction to the economic, social, cultural, and political evolution of some of the emerging cities in Asia through the eyes of the Trekkers and Fellows. Readers will enjoy reading about the region’s rapid advancement throughout the years.”

Jin Park, D.Phil.
President, Asia Future Institute
Chairman, Korean-American Association

--

Former Chairman, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification Committee, National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Rethinking Asia: Political and Social Change transports readers to some of the fast-rising countries in Asia, and examines the driving forces behind their rapid growth. The Trekkers and Fellows’ reflections also explore the heights and depths of challenges facing these countries. This book, without a doubt, will inspire readers to participate in upcoming Asia Leadership Treks.”

Jay K. Rosengard, Ph.D.
Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government