Summary The diversity of Asia's cultures and the strong sense of nationalism in the post-colonial period after World War II have created a region where racial identity, national pride and labor migration collide. The dynamics of labor movements and the existence of minority ethnic populations within East Asian countries date back centuries, but without the pressures of colonial rulers — whether European or Asian — the need to balance ethnic diversity with economic and social stability continues to create rifts among and inside Asian states. Analysis When looking at the intersection of diversity and economics in Asia, one of the most frequently encountered themes is the recurring presence of a Chinese minority controlling a disproportionate amount of the wealth. In Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the Chinese diaspora frequently has become the target of disgruntled social forces.