The rise of Asia in the world economy

September 2012 It is widely accepted that Asia has risen in the world economy since at least 1960, and especially since 2000. But what does this involve? And what explains it? The answers are widely diverse and even contradictory. Some argue that Asia (or even China alone) has always been at the centre of the world economy, except for a brief period between 1800 and 1950. These analysts consider that the recent rise is merely a reassertion of Asia’s historic or natural position. Others consid..