Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

ASIAN STUDIES CENTER

Asia's political and economic resurgence in the last few decades has been remarkable; contributing to nearly 30 percent of total world trade. Equally significant is the increasing number of Asian countries with free, competitive, multi-party elections. Nevertheless, Asia is facing mounting economic problems aggravated by slow or nonexistent economic reform. In recognition of the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region, The Heritage Foundation established the Asian Studies Center (ASC) in 1983. Since its inception, the ASC has dealt with a broad range of Asia-oriented policy concerns. Today, the center is recognized on both sides of the Pacific as one of the preeminent policy think tanks on issues affecting the United States and Asia.