Book Review: Kishan S. Rana. 2009. Asian Diplomacy: The Foreign Ministries of China, India, Japan, Singapore and Thailand
| Published date | 01 August 2014 |
| Date | 01 August 2014 |
| Author | Monir Hossain Moni |
| DOI | 10.1177/2347797014541727 |
| Subject Matter | Book Reviews |
Book Reviews
for Mumbai but any other city or country in the world engaged in nuclear sciences
and the development of nuclear technology/energy in the name of peace. The
focus on popular culture and use of print media, films, superhero comics, as well
as ancient texts enriches this work tremendously as compared to other works
which remain within the realms of political boundaries and parliamentary walls.
Visual materials used and endnotes were indispensable to the argument and fur-
ther explanations of the text. However, though probably a preference by the author
or a prerequisite by the publisher, the use of footnotes instead of endnotes would
have made reading more enjoyable and easier to consult. Furthermore, though
useful, some quotations are rather long. Despite the obvious recommendations of
readership on the book’s jacket, the book will be of interest to (former) nuclear
scientists, anti-nuclear activists and politicians in Mumbai, India and the rest of
the world.
Note
1. Traudl Kulikowsky, Brief an das Wehrkreiskommando Berlin, 21.10.83, RHG/
FfF-Dok-IV.
Susanne Kranz
Zayed University
E-mail: susikranz@hotmail.com
Kishan S. Rana. 2009. Asian Diplomacy: The Foreign Ministries of China,
India, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. Washington DC, USA: Woodrow
Wilson Center Press with Johns Hopkins University Press, 2009, xv +
246 pp, ISBN 9780801891960, US$ 29.95 (Paperback).
DOI: 10.1177/2347797014541727
Commenced in October 2009, this book comprising nine chapters is the outcome
of gradual research activities with the writing during 2005–2007 by the author.
While this volume’s general objective is to examine the structures and processes
of the foreign ministries and diplomatic services of the five Asian countries (China,
Japan, India, Singapore and Thailand), it seeks to shed light on the concurrent
dimension of Asian diplomacy in a globalized world. The author fundamentally
argues that the recurring theme was transformation, adaptation and reform under-
taken by these Asian ministries of foreign affairs (MFA) since the Cold War ended
in 1991 when reform became a driving force in the best foreign ministries around
the world. In short, this study endeavours to draw our attention to the instrumental
framework through which foreign policies of these five Asian states are imple-
mented and they conduct relations with their external partners.
When it comes to chapter-wise evaluation, Chapter 1 of the book introduces the
global trends of diplomacy as a tool of both constructive international bargaining
Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, 1, 2 (2014): 223–233
Book Reviews 227
and domestic political success (Evans, 1993) in addition to the role of foreign
mini stries. But it has not justifiably extended the theoretical canvas on diplomacy
(Kerr, 2013) while revisiting the links among modern diplomacy, foreign policy
and international relations (Copeland, 2009). In fact, the research has not set any
analytical approach or specific hypothesis that should be discussed and supported
with the research findings. It is a major weakness of this research-based publica-
tion. Besides, although the...
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