The Myth of the Asian Century (Penguin Specials)

The idea that the twenty-first century will be “Asian” in the same way the twentieth century was “American” is widely repeated but rarely scrutinized. In fact, this assumption is not only overly simplistic—it may actually fuel the very geopolitical rivalry that poses the greatest risk to Asia’s stability and prosperity: the strategic competition between the United States and China.

While Asia is undoubtedly becoming more influential in global affairs—mirroring earlier eras of European dominance and America’s continued global reach—the notion of an “Asian Century” obscures more than it reveals. This paper examines the many economic, political, demographic, and security complexities hidden within the phrase and argues that no single continent can define the future. Instead, the century ahead will be shaped by a dynamic interplay of regional and global forces that defies easy characterization.