Ep 47. The Rise of the East Asian Tigers

The episode titled "The Rise of the East Asian Tigers" is the 47th installment in the first season of Foundations of Eastern Civilization. This episode is focused on the economic development of the East Asian Tigers - Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. It details the incredible growth these countries experienced during the latter half of the 20th century, which propelled them into the economic powerhouses they are today.

The episode begins by examining the global forces that led to the rise of the East Asian Tigers. The post-World War II period saw a shift in the global economy, with the United States becoming the dominant economic superpower. This new global order created opportunities for developing nations, which the East Asian Tigers were able to capitalize on due to their unique cultural and historical backgrounds. The episode explores the ways in which these countries were able to leverage their strengths to achieve economic growth.

The episode then goes on to look at each of the four East Asian Tigers in turn. First up is Hong Kong, which is examined as a city that has been shaped by its unique geography, culture, and history. The focus is on Hong Kong's transition from a British colony to a Special Administrative Region of China. The episode examines how Hong Kong maintained its economic edge despite the challenges posed by these changes.

Next, the episode looks at Singapore. The focus here is on how Singapore became a hub for global trade and finance. The city-state's effective governance and investment in education and infrastructure contributed to its success as an economic powerhouse.

The episode then turns to South Korea. Here, the focus is on how the country leveraged its strong work ethic and human capital to develop a world-class manufacturing industry. The episode highlights the role of government in this process, specifically the innovative economic policies that were put in place to support industry development.

Finally, the episode looks at Taiwan. The island nation is examined as a country that has navigated a particularly complex political situation, while still achieving impressive economic growth. The episode examines the role of Taiwan's government in creating an environment conducive to economic growth, and how the country has maintained its position in the global economy despite challenges from larger countries like China.

Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with a detailed understanding of each of these countries and the unique factors that contributed to their success. The episode is filled with insights from experts in the field, as well as archival footage and interviews with people who were involved in shaping the economic development of the East Asian Tigers. Overall, "The Rise of the East Asian Tigers" is an insightful and engaging exploration of one of the most remarkable economic success stories of the 20th century.