Since World War II, the United States has played a crucial role in shaping Northeast Asian politics and economics. However, as this authoritative book shows, the Cold War's demise, September 11, and America's major strategic realignments have unleashed seismic changes in the region. China's rise, Japan's quest for a normal state, and the North Korean nuclear quagmire are also potential flashpoints. Collective memories of past aggression as well as resurgent nationalism further complicate regional dynamics. But hopeful signs abound, as deepening economic interdependence, expanding social and cultural exchanges, and the proliferation of informal economic, social, and cultural networks have improved the chances for a peaceful evolution to a liberal and stable region.Contributions by: Vinod K. Aggarwal, Paul Bacon, Avery Goldstein, G. John Ikenberry, Takashi Inoguchi, Ki-Jung Kim, Myongsob Kim, Woosang Kim, Yongho Kim, Min Gyo Koo, Michael Mastanduno, Chung-in Moon, Katharine H. S. Moon, Seung-won Suh, and William C. Wohlforth

Introduction: The Dynamics of Transition in Northeast Asia: Analytical Debates, Emerging Issues, and New OrderPart I: The United States and Northeast Asia: Debates on Power Reality and RealignmentsChapter 1: The Political Foundations of American Relations with East AsiaChapter 2: Power Transition, Institutions, and China's Rise in East Asia: Theoretical Expectations and EvidenceChapter 3: Rethinking Japan as an Ordinary CountryChapter 4: Defying Expectations: Russia's Missing Asian RevisionismChapter 5: Korea as a Middle Power in Northeast Asian Security EnvironmentChapter 6: North Korea: A Perpetual Rogue State?Part II: Emerging Issues: Understanding Challenges to the United StatesChapter 7: Challenging U.S. Military Hegemony: Anti-Americanism and Democracy in East AsiaChapter 8: Identity Politics, Nationalism, and the Future of Northeast Asian OrderChapter 9: Managing the North Korean Nuclear Quagmire: Capability, Impacts, and ProspectsPart III: Designing New OrderChapter 10: Hegemonic Order, September 11th, and the Consequences of the Bush RevolutionChapter 11: An Institutional Path: Community-building in Northeast AsiaChapter 12: The United States and East Asian Regional Order: Historical Recasting and ForecastingBibliography