East Asia (including both Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia) is a region that has contributed greatly to the concept of an “Asia-Pacific Century.” This focus has been justified by the East Asian economic development “miracle,” the absence of interstate war in the “long peace of East Asia,” and an “Eastphalian peace.” Reference has also been made to East Asia’s other miracle, the decline of mass atrocities, while Freedom House notes it is the only region of the world to have made significant gains in political freedoms in recent years. Educational institutions in the region have made steady progress up international league tables. There is growing participation by East Asian scholars in international conferences such as those organised by ISA, WISC, DSA, and AAS, and a growing number of conferences organised by such associations in Asia. Yet, many obstacles stand in the way of a true internationalisation of higher education. These include a paucity of resources, a shortage of publishing outlets, language barriers, an emphasis on hard sciences and disciplines which promote economic growth (econophoria), and relatedly, the pull of policy relevant work that offers greater prestige and financial rewards. In some cases, nationalism, and in other cases a subaltern relationship to the West (sometimes both together), restrict regional educational cooperation and development. This presentation will discuss some of these issues and shortcomings, but also propose opportunities for overcoming the challenges.
Read presenter's biography