The rise of Asia has been one of the defining trends of the 21st century, with countries like China and India becoming major economic and political powers. In his book, “The Future is Asian”, author Parag Khanna explores the implications of this shift for the global economy and politics, and offers insights for business leaders looking to navigate this rapidly changing landscape. In this post, we will take a look at some of the key lessons from the book and provide a step-by-step guide for how business leaders can implement them.

Key Lessons:

  1. The importance of understanding and adapting to the rise of Asia in the global economy and politics: Business leaders need to be aware of the increasing economic and political power of Asian countries and the implications for their industries and markets. They should also be prepared to navigate the unique cultural and institutional contexts of different Asian countries.
  2. The potential for collaboration and cooperation among Asian countries and with other regions of the world: Business leaders should not view Asia as a monolithic block, but rather as a diverse collection of nations with different strengths and weaknesses. By identifying opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, businesses can tap into new markets and gain a competitive advantage.
  3. The need for a long-term perspective and strategic thinking: As the geopolitical and economic landscape in Asia continues to change, business leaders need to adopt a long-term perspective and think strategically to identify and capitalize on new opportunities.

Step by Step Guide to Implementing these Lessons:

Step 1: Conduct research and analysis:

  • Business leaders should conduct research on the economic and political trends in Asia, as well as the unique cultural and institutional contexts of different Asian countries. This can include:
    • Reading reports and publications from organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF, and the Asian Development Bank
    • Following news and analysis from reputable media outlets that cover Asian business and economics
    • Consulting with experts in the field, such as economists, political scientists, and business consultants who specialize in Asia
    • Conducting market research on different Asian countries to identify potential opportunities and challenges

Step 2: Identify opportunities for collaboration and cooperation:

  • Based on the research and analysis, business leaders should identify opportunities for collaboration and cooperation with other businesses and governments in Asia. This can include:
    • Identifying potential partners in Asia with complementary strengths and resources
    • Joining trade organizations or industry associations that promote cooperation and collaboration between businesses in Asia
    • Building relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders in Asian countries
    • Identifying areas where businesses can collaborate to achieve a shared goal, such as reducing costs, increasing efficiency, or developing new technologies

Step 3: Develop a long-term strategy:

  • Business leaders should develop a long-term strategy for their business, taking into account the trends and opportunities identified in the research and analysis. This can include:
    • Identifying specific goals and objectives for the business in Asia
    • Developing a plan for how the business will enter and operate in different Asian markets
    • Identifying the resources and capabilities the business will need to succeed in Asia
    • Developing a risk management plan to mitigate potential challenges and obstacles

Step 4: Execute the strategy:

  • Business leaders should implement their strategy and regularly review and adjust it as needed to stay ahead of changes in the geopolitical and economic landscape in Asia. This can include:
    • Setting up operations in Asian countries and building a local team
    • Building relationships with partners and stakeholders in Asia
    • Implementing a marketing and sales strategy that takes into account the cultural and institutional differences in different Asian countries
    • Reviewing the performance of the business in Asia and making adjustments as necessary

Step 5: Cultivate relationships with partners and stakeholders:

  • Business leaders should build relationships with partners, stakeholders, and key decision-makers in Asia to understand the local market and build a network of support. This can include:
    • Joining business associations and networking groups in Asia
    • Participating in trade shows and other events in Asian countries
    • Building relationships with government officials and other decision-makers in Asia
    • Building relationships with local suppliers and vendors

In conclusion, The Future is Asian provides a valuable insight into the economic and political trends shaping the future of the world, and the opportunities and challenges facing businesses looking to expand in Asia. By conducting research and analysis, identifying opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, developing a long-term strategy, executing that strategy, and cultivating relationships with partners and stakeholders in Asia, business leaders can position themselves to capitalize on the opportunities and meet the challenges of doing business in the Asian century. It’s important to remember that the Asian market is constantly evolving, so business leaders must be adaptable and ready to adjust their strategies as needed to stay ahead of the curve. The book also highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and institutional differences between Asian countries and how it can affect business operation and success. By following these steps and keeping a long-term perspective, businesses can set themselves up for success in the Asian market, and position themselves to thrive in the future.

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