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Library Journal Review

This latest work by mega-best-selling author Naisbitt identifies eight Asian megatrends that are reshaping our world. The number eight, considered lucky in Asia, is significant here. Coming political, economic, and cultural changes will soon render Asia the dominant region of the world, and Naisbitt offers advice that will help the reader profit by the changes. The work looks at the region as a whole. In general, things Western are falling out of favor, as key places return to Chinese rule. However, Western problems such as divorce and crime are on the increase. The magnitude and far-reaching effects of the modernization of Asia are emphasized here; Naisbitt even asserts that the changes in modernization are without question the most important events taking place in the world today. Japan has just begun an economic decline that will increase rapidly in the coming years. The book does not linger long on any topic but gives readers snippets of information before moving on. A chart contrasts Asian and American values, shedding light on the respective cultures. Not surprisingly, Americans are said to value individual rights over an orderly society, which may explain the situation in which we currently find ourselves. Extensive notes are provided. Recommended for all public and academic libraries. (Index not seen.)-Lisa K. Miller, Paradise Valley Community Coll. Lib., Phoenix (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

Bestselling prognosticator Naisbitt (Megatrends 2000) predicts that the West‘and even Japan‘will be left behind as the countries of Southeast Asia, led by China and a collaborative network of ``overseas Chinese'' entrepreneurs in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore increasingly gain economic power. The global axis of power and influence has already shifted from West to East, in his assessment, and the principal trends underlying Asia's rapid modernization include a shift from central government control to free-market economies, the emergence of female entrepreneurs, mass migration to cities and a resurgent individualistic spirit that rejects welfarism. Naisbitt, who has been based in Malaysia for more than a year, peppers this upbeat and optimistic, if shallow, report with sweeping predictions and snap analyses that seem to hit and miss their targets in equal measure. 125,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo; first serial to Working Woman. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

CHOICE Review

Naisbitt, an internationally recognized trend forecaster, identifies eight significant trends that in the 21st century will establish Asia as the US's major competitor and, at the same time, make it the US's largest customer for goods and services. Naisbitt's volume is a call for the US to recognize the dramatic economic and social changes that are drawing Asian countries closer together into powerful business networks. Following an overview, each of the eight subsequent chapters focuses on one of the trends driving Asia to world prominence. Naisbitt is able to sift through vast accumulations of fact and rhetoric to arrive at basic motivating forces that are most likely to shape the future. He has previously displayed this talent, especially in two earlier books, Megatrends (CH, Jan'83) and Megatrends 2000, coauthored with Patricia Aburdene (CH, May'90). The author's exuberance for Asia is contagious as he moves briskly through a broad spectrum of salient insights and supporting cases. This thought-provoking book should appeal to a wide audience, and it is strongly recommended for all those associated with business or aspiring to positions in that field. The author identifies the bases for his conclusions via extensive notes and acknowledgments. All levels. W. C. Struning Seton Hall University