• Why, specifically, is this region so globally significant?
• How has the globalization of Chinese culture and influence impacted this, and other, regions?
• Why (and how) has oceanic trade been so important to East Asia?
• How has this region’s global influence in the areas of economic growth and development and within the context of environmental concerns recently changed?
• What events/policies/etc. have accounted for this expanding influence?
• How do you see the region’s future playing out?
