In 1776 with an inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations, adam smith challenged the prevailing belief in mercantilist policies. the characteristic of capitalism that buyers and sellers will freely and willingly exchange in market transaction is called

the culture of asia encompasses the collective and diverse customs and traditions of art, architecture, music, literature, lifestyle, philosophy, politics and religion that have been practiced and maintained by the numerous ethnic groups of the continent of asia since prehistory. identification of a specific culture of asia or universal elements among the colossal diversity that has emanated from multiple cultural spheres and three of the four ancient river valley civilizations is complicated. however, the continent is commonly divided into six geographic sub-regions, that are characterized by perceivable commonalities, like religion, language and relative ethnic homogeneity. these regions are central asia, east asia, north asia, south asia, southeast asia and west asia

the secretary of state, appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the senate, is the president's chief foreign affairs adviser. the secretary carries out the president's foreign policies through the state department and the foreign service of the united states.