The Asian Century is a term used to describe the belief that, if certain demographic and economic trends persist, the 21st century will be dominated by Asian politics and culture, similarly to how the 20th century is often called the American Century, and the 19th century the British Century.
ORIGIN OF THE PHRASE
The phrase Asian Century arose in the mid to late 1980s, and is attributed to a 1988 meeting with People's Republic of China (PRC) leader Deng Xiaoping and Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Prior to this, it made an appearance in a 1985 US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing [1]. It has been subsequently reaffirmed by Asian political leaders, and is now a popularly used term in the media.
REASONS
Most of the speculation as to a future Asian century is based on population growth and economic growth forecasts, as well as the growth that has already occurred in much of Asia. While much emphasis is focused on the growing power of China and India, the term Asian Century generally refers to all growth in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Russia may also be considered a rising economy in Asia, but it is usually not being referred to in the use of this term.
CRITICISM
Despite forecasts that predict the rising economic and political strength of Asia, the idea of an Asian Century has faced criticism. This has included the possibility that the continuing high rate of growth could lead to political upheavals, economic slumps, and environmental problems, especially in mainland China [12]. Others point out that the 21st century will be multipolar, and no one country or continent will have such a concentration of influence. Even in the "American" 20th century there was still a balance of power with the British and other European colonial empires from 1900 until 1945, and with the Soviet Union from 1945 until 1991.
source: wikipedia
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?
ARE WE ALREADY HEADING TOWARDS THE NEW "ASIAN CENTURY"
IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE TO UNITE THE WHOLE ASIAN CONTINENT, DESPITE THE DIVERSITY OF CULTURE AND LANGUAGE?
DO YOU WANT IT TO HAPPEN? IF YES, WHAT CAN EACH ASIAN DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?