http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R40605.pdf

Examines political destabilization in Thailand since a 2006 military coup and the implications for U.S. regional interests. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.unescap.org/stat/data/syb2008/ESCAP-syb2008.pdf

Offers statistical tables, charts, and a narrative overview of the 58 countries of the Asia and Pacific region. Provides over 200 indicators of social, economic and environmental development. Includes 29 chapters on topics such as demographic trends, gender equality, migration, urbanization, health, education, employment, energy supply and use, and economic growth. From the United Nations.

http://www.unescap.org/stat/data/syb2008/ESCAP-SYB2008.pdf

Includes data, charts, and a textual overview of more than 200 indicators of social and economic development for Asian countries. From the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL34742.pdf

Describes the four phases of the global financial crisis, its effects on various parts of the world, international policy issues that are being debated, and the possible role for the U.S. Congress to pursue. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.ndu.edu/inss/Strforum/SF239/SF239.pdf

Examines the economic power of the nations of East Asia whose share of world GDP grew from 26% in 1990 to 37% in 2006. Reviews U.S. commercial, cultural, and security ties with China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Korea and the Philippines and calls for a clear understanding of U.S. interests in Asia. From the National Defense University.

http://www.ndu.edu/inss/Strforum/SF238/SF238.pdf

Examines how Ukraine has been caught between those who favor closer alliance with Europe and NATO and those who favor closer ties with Russia. Examines recent progress in developing democratic institutions and how such progress has instigated a type of political instability. From the National Defense University.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R40361.pdf

Asserts that Chinese development assistance to Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia grew from less than $1 billion in 2002 to $27.5 billion in 2006. Reviews the types and purposes of foreign aid provided by the Chinese. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2008-2009/asia/index.html

Covers types of social security programs in each country, funding mechanisms, demographic and other social statistics related to social security, and contribution rates for programs in 2008. From the Social Security Administration

http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?pubID=907

Reviews recent events in Central Asia including the limited conflict between Russia and Georgia last year and examines how U.S. policy goals run at cross-purposes with one another. Denies Great Game parallels of the past. From the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College.

http://www.unep.org/pdf/ABCSummaryFinal.pdf

Represents a summary for policy makers of research into the cause and effects of large clouds from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass. The clouds pose major threats to the water and food security of Asia and have resulted in surface dimming, atmospheric solar heating, and soot deposition in Himalayan glaciers and snow packs. From the United Nations Environment Programme.

http://www.ndu.edu/inss/Strforum/SF232/SF232.pdf

Reflects on the development of India, expected to be the 3rd largest importer of petroleum by 2030, and the need for energy interdependence for the nations of South Asia to reach their development goals. From the National Defense University