Changing Visions of East Asia, 1943-93

This work compiles Ralph Bernard Smith's extensive research on East Asia's post-war evolution, reflecting on political, economic, and societal changes from 1943 to 1993, culminating in his final major project.

Changing Visions of East Asia, 1943-93 is a significant work that encapsulates the extensive research of esteemed scholar Ralph Bernard Smith, who was actively exploring the transformations in East Asian politics, economics, and society during the years leading up to his passing in December 2000. This comprehensive volume, completed and edited by Chad Mitcham, a former student of Smith’s and a recognized expert in the field, brings together insights gathered from Smith's meticulous research across various archives in Britain, France, Japan, and the United States, as well as his extensive reading and international travels from 1966 to 2000.

The book not only chronicles the changes in the East Asian region over several decades but also synthesizes key themes and ideas from Smith's earlier works, including his influential three-volume series, An International History of the Vietnam War. It highlights how Smith's perspectives on the region's future evolved amidst the tumultuous historical backdrop of the time, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the shifting dynamics in East Asia.

As Smith's final major research endeavor, the book draws from his 1997 lecture, Visions of the Future: East Asia in 1943 and 1993, delivered at the Asian Studies Centre at St Antony’s College, Oxford. This work stands as a vital contribution to the field of post-war Asian history, offering critical insights into the region's development and the factors that shaped its trajectory during a pivotal era.