Transnational East Asian Studies

Transnational East Asian Studies explores how transnationalism as an intellectual inquiry can reveal the complex interactions between people in East Asia, past and present, and shape the region's future. It emphasizes the importance of moving beyond artificial borders and examining how ideas have been used and transformed in different contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Transnational East Asian Studies is a groundbreaking field of intellectual inquiry that explores the multifaceted dimensions of transnationalism and its profound significance in understanding the past, present, and future of East Asia. It demonstrates how transnationalism, as a mode of inquiry, possesses a vast interdisciplinary potential and holds immense value in examining historical events and contemporary realities.

Artificially imposed borders, depicted on maps and globes, fail to account for the diverse ways in which people across different regions live and engage in their daily lives, transcending the boundaries imposed by these geographical markers. The people of East Asia have a rich history of mobility, exhibiting a heterogeneity that has shaped their collective evolution rather than division. This interconnectedness has been a constant throughout history, spanning across continents and generations.

Transnationalism offers a unique perspective to challenge methodological nationalism, which tends to view the nation-state as the primary unit of analysis. By transcending national boundaries, transnationalism enables us to examine the complex interplay of ideas, cultures, and societies across time and space. It allows us to explore how ideas have been adopted, adapted, and transformed in different contexts, shedding light on the dynamic nature of human interaction and the interconnectedness of the world.

This book serves as a valuable resource in understanding the complex interactions that have shaped East Asia's past and present, while also contributing to shaping its future. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the region, highlighting the ways in which historical events, cultural exchanges, and economic developments have contributed to the formation of East Asia's unique identity and trajectory. By examining the transnational dimensions of East Asian Studies, we gain a deeper appreciation of the region's rich cultural heritage, its political complexities, and its potential for future growth and development.

In conclusion, transnational East Asian Studies is a transformative field that offers a fresh perspective on understanding the past, present, and future of East Asia. It challenges traditional boundaries and encourages us to explore the complex web of interconnections that shape the region's history, culture, and society. Through interdisciplinary inquiry and a global lens, this book provides valuable insights into the dynamics of East Asia and its role in shaping the world's interconnectedness.

Dimension: 239 x 163 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802077292