Civilization, Nation and Modernity in East Asia (Routledge Advances in Asia-Pacific Studies) - Softcover

Shih, Chih-Yu

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1138815624 ISBN 13: 9781138815629

Publisher: Routledge, 2014

Synopsis

This book explores the crisis of cultural identity which has assaulted Asian countries since Western countries began to have a profound impact on Asia in the nineteenth century. Confronted by Western 'civilization' and by 'modernity', Asian countries have been compelled to rethink their identity, and to consider how they should relate to Western 'civilization' and 'modernity'. The result, the author argues, has been a redefining by Asian countries of their own character as nations, and an adaptation of 'civilization' and 'modernity' to their own special conditions. Asian nations, the author contends, have thereby engaged with the West and with modernity, but on their own terms, occasionally, and in various inconsistent ways in which they could assert a sense of difference, forcing changes in the Western concept of civilization. Drawing on postmodern theory, the Kyoto School, Confucian and other traditional Asian thought, and the actual experiences of Asian countries, especially China and Japan, the author demonstrates that Asian countries’ redefining of the concept of civilization in the course of their quest for an appropriate postmodern national identity is every bit as key a part of 'the rise of Asia' as economic growth or greater international political activity.

About this title

Review

"In this highly original, deeply probing, and imaginatively argued book Chih-yu Shih adds a singularly original voice to a vast chorus that, in both major and minor keys, is singing the hymns about the rise of China and the Asian century. Since the economic and military facets of power shifts can be decoded best through cultural lenses, Civilization, Nation and Modernity becomes an indispensable source for any serious student of East Asia." – Peter J. Katzenstein, Walter S. Carpenter, Jr. Professor of International Studies at Cornell University, USA

About the Author

Chih-yu Shih is Professor of Political Science at National Taiwan University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1138815624
• ISBN 13: 9781138815629
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256