Updated annually, The World Today Series: East & Southeast Asia 2026–2027 provides historical background on East & Southeast Asia to help readers gain a thorough understanding of contemporary developments in this region. Broad introductory chapters are followed by sections on each country in the region. The combination of factual accuracy and up-to-date detail make this an outstanding resource for researchers, practitioners in international development, media professionals, government officials, potential investors, and students to understand the immediate background of contemporary developments.

James E. Hoare was a member of the British Diplomatic Service from 1969 to 2003, perhaps his most important posting being as the first British representative to Pyongyang in 2001, but he also served at the British Embassies in Seoul and Beijing. Since retirement, he has been an occasional teacher and a writer and broadcaster.