Synopsis

Understanding the Divide Between East and West: Can Asians Think? is a collection of essays examining the political, cultural, and intellectual differences between Asia and the West. Mahbubani challenges Western assumptions about governance, democracy, human rights, and economic development, arguing that Asian societies have their own valid perspectives shaped by history and experience. The book explores themes such as colonial legacy, global power shifts, and the rise of Asia, encouraging readers to reconsider dominant narratives and better understand cross-cultural differences in a changing world.

About the Author

Kishore Mahbubani is a Singaporean diplomat, scholar, and former president of the United Nations Security Council. He has served as Singapore’s ambassador to the United Nations and as a professor of public policy. Known for his commentary on geopolitics and global governance, he writes extensively about Asia’s growing influence and the evolving balance between Eastern and Western powers.