The field of Asian studies has attracted some brilliant scholars, many of whom have controversial views. Chalmers Johnson would probably top most Japan watchers' list of iconoclasts. Less well-known, but equally eclectic, informative and controversial is Bruce Cumings, professor of history at the University of Chicago and a prolific writer and commentator.
Cumings may have been partially eclipsed because he has focused on Korean studies. That's a pity, since Cumings has done strikingly original research and brings a fresh perspective to the entire field of East Asian studies. Those views are well-displayed in "Parallax Visions," a recently published collection of essays.
"Parallax Visions" is worth reading for three reasons: to become acquainted with Cumings' writings, to get a head-clearing dose of contrarian thinking about U.S. relations with the region, and to get a much-needed corrective to those who believe that the United States is in any way ready to deal with East Asia in the next century.