Asia charts its own path to global leadership

By Maya Majueran

Lead: From deepening regional economic integration to growing technological leadership, Asia's rising influence is reshaping the global order beyond Western-centric models.

Asia, home to over half the world's population and around 48% of global GDP at purchasing power parity, has emerged as a dynamic epicenter of economic growth, innovation and geopolitical influence. Comprised of such fast-growing economies and established powers as China, India, Japan and South Korea, Asia now drives global trade, technology and strategic shifts.

As economic integration deepens through agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Asia will increasingly shape global governance, sustainability efforts and international cooperation in the 21st century.

Economic resilience through regional unity

Asia has recently focused on building resilience against global protectionism and economic instability. The Trump administration's tariff policies, along with broader uncertainties in Western markets, accelerated this strategic pivot. Countries such as China, Japan and South Korea have doubled down on intra-regional trade, infrastructure investment and supply chain integration. This strategy makes Asia more self-reliant, better able to weather global economic storms while pursuing common development.

A unified diplomatic front could further amplify this momentum. By coordinating trade negotiations, such as advocating for tariff rollbacks with the U.S., Asian nations would gain greater leverage to counter protectionist measures and secure fairer terms. Collective action in forums like the WTO and G20 would not only strengthen Asia's voice but also help stabilize a fractured global trading system.

Civilizational legacies, modern ambitions

Asia's resurgence blends ancient traditions with modern approaches. China and India, two ancient civilizations, are regaining prominence through strategies rooted in their cultural heritage. China is pursuing its national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, while India uses its digital strengths and philosophical traditions to emerge as a regional or even global power.

China's historic inventions like paper and the compass, alongside India's achievements in mathematics and astronomy, established foundations for global progress. Today, Asia's breakthroughs in AI and renewable energy continue this innovation legacy.

Crucially, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) echoes its Silk Road heritage, while its development paradigm demonstrates diverse paths to progress in a multipolar world.

Asian development doesn't mirror Western models. Governance across Asia remains influenced by Confucian, Buddhist and Hindu philosophies that value social cohesion, collective responsibility and long-term planning. This cultural distinction challenges the idea that Western liberal democracy is the only path to prosperity — a lesson becoming clearer as Western societies face mounting internal pressures.

Toward a multipolar future

Asia's combined economic heft — including China's manufacturing and technological strength, India's demographic dividend, and ASEAN's integration — creates a unique opportunity to reshape global governance.

Yet, building a truly multipolar world demands more than economic restructuring. It requires a shift in mindset, particularly from the West. Respect can no longer be assumed based on historical dominance; it must be earned through genuine engagement and acknowledgment of different developmental trajectories.

Asia's success is rooted in sustained investment in education, infrastructure, and innovation. It represents a model of cooperation, not coercion, offering an alternative vision for progress grounded in inclusion and shared prosperity.

The imperative of mutual respect

For Western nations, adapting to these global shifts means moving beyond notions of superiority or assumed leadership. Clinging to outdated hierarchies risks growing irrelevance in a world where Asia is influencing trade norms, financing green transitions and mediating conflicts.

Conversely, embracing mutual respect by recognizing different governance models and historical contexts can unlock powerful new partnerships. Shared challenges such as climate change, pandemics and global inequality require collaborative solutions that draw on the strengths of both East and West.

Asia's rise should not be viewed as a threat, but as an invitation: to rethink global cooperation, broaden the definition of progress, and embrace a genuinely multipolar, equitable world order.

Education as a foundation for innovation

Asia's strong emphasis on education, driven by cultural traditions and strategic policy, has made it a global leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Rooted in philosophies such as Confucianism, this focus on discipline, meritocracy and long-term investment in human capital has translated into high academic performance and rapid technological advancement.

While Western education systems emphasize creativity and individualism, they now face challenges such as rising tuition costs and skill mismatches. Asia's scalable, cost-effective education models offer valuable lessons, especially in preparing large workforces for innovation-driven industries.

Rather than fostering rivalry, both regions can benefit from cross-cultural learning. Asia can benefit from the West's strengths in critical thinking and creativity, while the West can adopt elements of Asia's rigorous technical training and emphasis on collective excellence.

A new chapter in global leadership

The 21st century will not be defined by a singular superpower, but by collaborative leadership and shared responsibility. Asia's rise marks not just an economic shift, but a civilizational rebalancing. It offers an alternative vision for global progress rooted in cultural diversity, historical depth and forward-looking policy.

To thrive in this new era, all nations must move beyond the binaries of East and West. They must embrace mutual respect, adapt to multipolarity and build inclusive systems that reflect the realities of a diverse and interconnected planet. In this process, Asia is not just participating in shaping the future but also helping lead it.

Maya Majueran is director of BRISL, an independent, Sri Lankan-led organization specializing in Belt and Road Initiative consulting.