In this new study the contributors have a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds that help provide the reader with a unique survey of the fundamental reasons behind East Asian growth. These are shown to be historical legacies combined with contemporary politics, but also highlighted are four key factors: effective governance: motivating factors such as external threats to the nation and nearby successful models; achieving and learning societies: solid commitment to education, particularly universal primary and secondary schooling; growth with equity: the lowest disparity of incomes in the world for any developing region; and external influences: threats from communism, Japan's early industrialisation and protection by the US. Behind East Asian Growth is a distinctive and comprehensive survey of the factors influencing the region's unique economic success. It will be welcomed by academics, the business community and policy-makers alike.