The Asia-Pacific region, of which Hong Kong is part, has accomplished rapid socio-economic transformation in recent decades. Since the 1980s, the transformation has been facilitated by accelerating globalization processes being manifested in new spatial-economic patterns, new lifestyles and new political aspirations.</P>

This book brings together fresh empirical and theoretical evidence to evaluate the challenges of development and modernization confronted by Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region at the dawn of a new millennium. Leading scholars have addressed different themes that are critical to the region at this juncture and that have been grouped into three headings, namely, economic globalization, political and social change, and regional patterns of transformation.</P>

This volume arises from the celebratory conference marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong held on campus in April 2000. It is a major contribution to our understanding of the recent changes and future challenges of the fastest growth regions in the world at the beginning of a new era.</P>