Home to over half of the world's population and most of the world's nuclear powers, the nations of Asia and the Pacific are playing an increasingly leading role on the international stage in the 21st century. Despite significant economic growth and representing almost one-third of global GDP, the region is home to many of the most pressing security challenges. Brookings experts are examining the rise of China and India, North Korea's nuclear program, climate change, poverty, and relations among China and Taiwan and India and Pakistan.