This book analyses social, political, economic and environmental changes in Asia, as well as the factors that influence these changes. Using a multidisciplinary approach, discussions on changes in Asian societies include major topics such as globalisation, the role of religious traditions and international human rights law, ethnicity and political self-determination, economic development and inequality, gender relations, environmental degradation and resource depletion, employment, and the media and censorship. This new edition includes a discussion of the 2004 tsunami; wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; the link between the mass media, terrorism and propaganda; an exploration of popular culture; and an interpretation of recent demographic trends.