Asian values reconsidered

In an era of globalization, we have truly become citizens of one world. We must therefore develop a global consensus on what is good and evil, and right and wrong. In this article, Professor Tommy T. B. Koh, Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation, Singapore, provides a fresh intervention in the “Asian values” debate. Drawing on recent empirical studies and surveys, he identifies several values that are broadly shared by Asian nations. He urges both Asian and Western intellectuals to treat the values that sustain each other ” s communities with tolerance and respect and to work together in a spirit of mutual understanding.