Editors' introduction -- Financial crises, globalization and the new world order -- Financial crises and government regulations / Gary Moon Cheung Shiu and Kin-Ming Wong -- China and the world economic order / Wai Kee Yuen and Joe Fuk Kin Wong -- Globalization and the role of multinational corporations / Paul K.C. Shum, Raymond W.M. Yeung, Joe Fuk Kin Wong and Wai Kee Yuen -- Technological catching-up in east asia / Mei Chih Hu -- Pirate production, intellectual property and informal sector in developing economies / Simon Chien-Yuan Chen -- Political, religious and social conflicts -- Economic freedom and economic development / Kai Yin Woo and Alan Chan -- Religion, culture and global conflicts / Diana S. Kwan and Fu-Lai Tony Yu -- Social development and health : literacy, human trafficking, AIDS and drug abuse / Jia-Huey Lin and Yu-Chen Kuo -- Energy sources, environmental protection and sustainable development / Rita Yi Man Li -- Towards a better world though cooperation -- Reducing world's income inequality / Che Cheong Poon and Richard Cheung Lam -- The role of intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) / Ho-Don Yan -- Happiness and well-being / Wai Kee Yuen, Mark Greene and Wan Ling Chu.