Noam Chomsky
[Doyle's] analysis of the complex interactions of the two great powers, along with Australia, Japan, and South Korea, is judicious and informed, enriched by substantial personal experience in the region. His study gives a valuable perspective on topics that are sure to be of growing significance in the years ahead.
Wilhelm Vosse
In times when most analysis of the current state and future development of the Asia Pacific region focuses on Japan, China, Korea, and the role of the United States, often applying classical balance of power approaches to explain alliances and frictions, Doyle's book takes a broader look at all players in the region including Australia. The book begins with a concise analysis of the significant steps in the postwar history of each country, which allows the reader to get a much better sense about the many historical issues undermining cooperation to this day. I recommend the book to anyone who wants to look behind and beyond the day-to-day politics of the region to get a deeper understanding of the historical background and development of today's problems and issues.
Patrick Fuliang Shan
Randall Doyle offers his appraisal of the relations between the U.S. and Pacific Rim countries. His lifelong engagement with Australia, China, Japan and Korea and his personal interviews with the president of South Korea and the prime minister of Australia along with many local elites turn this book into an interesting tome. His advice that the U.S. should make relevant adjustments towards the other side of the rim reveals his insights. Indeed, this is an ambitious undertaking to pack five nations into one volume; however, Doyle's expertise enables him to provide a concise survey and numerous persuasive remarks. His writing is poetic, lucid, fluent and engaging.
Howard Zinn
Randall Doyle is peering into an overlooked corner of U.S. foreign policy—its relations with Australia, Japan, and Korea. It is an important area of study because all three of these nations live in the shadow of the Asian giant—China, which by its size, its military might, its swift-growing economy, is the great counter-balance to U.S. hegemony in Asia in the 21st century.