The Asian Mode of Digitization: How Did the East Grow Rich?

In this article I argue that the economic success of “underdeveloped” and “static” societies should be reconsidered from the perspective of a generalized and updated theory of Asiatic mode of production (G-AMP). I claim that the nation states in Asiatic societies have played a unique role in the emergence of digital economies. Digital technologies and the Internet in China and India (partially in Russia and Indonesia as well) are the primary forces leading to high rates of growth (and sometimes social welfare). I also argue that digital economies provide countries such as Turkey and Iran with opportunities for economic growth and development.