The purpose of this book is to introduce one of the most significant international developments of the post World War II era-the dramatic socio-economic transformation achieved by Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. In less than three decades, these "minidragons" of Asia have become major economic players, not only in the economy of the Pacific rim, but in the global economic system as well. In the essays which follow, the nature of this transformation is charted; its causes are described; and some assessment is made of the factors that will shape the future of these "fragile economic miracles." This volume was originally conceived as a companion to the television series entitled Minidragons, an international co-production of Maryland Public Television (MPT) with NHK, Japan, and Film Australia.