A History of Modern East Asia illuminates the history of this vast and crucial region over the last two hundred years, exploring its many cultures, societies, states and economies, in the first major work on the modern history of the region as a whole. * Offers a comprehensive view of East Asia, including Southeast Asia as well as China, Korea and Japan * Examines East Asia within the context of global history, building on recent scholarship in modern world history * Introduces the innovative concept of interaction zone to define East Asia as a region of dynamic economic, political and cultural interaction rather than as a static and reified civilization * Provides a narrative that helps readers understand how the region came to its current place in the world and what the future of East Asia may hold