This book has followed a long and winding road from idea to completion.
The adventure has run its course over six years, four countries, three
languages, and countless planes, trains, buses, and rickshaws. Many
have contributed to its fruition.
I am grateful to the editors at Stanford University Press. Kate Wahl
recognized the vision for this book and encouraged me early on in the
writing. Margo Beth Fleming stood by me through ups and downs, resolutely acting as a sounding board and confidant. It was bittersweet to see her move on to the other coast and to new opportunities. Steve Catalano took over from Margo as the book neared completion and has lived up to his reputation as an “author’s editor.” Olivia Bartz shepherded this book across the years and editors.
Introductions by colleagues were vital to accessing sources and informants in the various countries discussed in this book. Shelley Ochs, Ezra Vogel, and Frank Hawke facilitated such access in China; in India, Vinod
Baliga, Guljit Chaudhri, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw; and in Singapore,
Poh Kam Wong and Phillip Yeo. Anonymous informants in the aforementioned countries provided powerful insights into the inner workings of government, business, and politics. In Japan, the guidance of Harukiyo Hasegawa and Junichiro Kuroda were essential to transforming ideas into action on the ground.