This series explores the dynamic and interconnected histories of Asia, moving beyond traditional national and regional boundaries. It focuses on trans-regional phenomena such as trade, migration, the spread of ideas, and political alliances that have shaped the continents over time. Emphasizing empirically grounded research, it offers fresh perspectives on key concepts like modernity and capitalism through the lens of Asian societies. This ambitious project bridges historical perspectives with contemporary concerns.
A social history of cosmopolitanism in Southeast Asia's port cities in the interwar era, including Penang, Rangoon and Bangkok. Su Lin Lewis challenges colonial and nationalist narratives by focusing on the connected experiences of urbanism and modernity by multi-ethnic communities across Asia and in Asian intellectual enclaves in Europe.
In this major new study, Prasenjit Duara expands his influential theoretical framework to present circulatory, transnational histories as an alternative to nationalist history. Duara argues that the present day is defined by the intersection of three global changes: the rise of non-western powers, the crisis of environmental sustainability and the loss of authoritative sources of what he terms transcendence - the ideals, principles and ethics once found in religions or political ideologies. The physical salvation of the world is becoming - and must become - the transcendent goal of our times, but this goal must transcend national sovereignty if it is to succeed. Duara suggests that a viable foundation for sustainability might be found in the traditions of Asia, which offer different ways of understanding the relationship between the personal, ecological and universal. These traditions must be understood through the ways they have circulated and converged with contemporary developments.