East Asia Study Group
The University of Warwick East Asia Study Group (EASG) is a research network focused on the politics and international relations of the East Asian region. We aim to encourage discussion and investigation of the paradoxical challenges the East Asian region poses to traditional IR theories: why does a developed state like Japan eschew a regional security role and constrain its own military; why has China, the world’s second largest economy, enjoyed such success without adopting free market or liberal principles; and why is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations seemingly disinterested in federalisation and continues to emphasise the sovereignty of its individual members? These paradoxes challenge traditional interpretations of security, economic development, multilateralism, national identity and many more besides.
The EASG invites researchers from within and beyond the university to present on issues related to these paradoxical challenges, not only deepening understanding of an often under-analysed region, but also encouraging reflection on broader theoretical debates whose interpretive frameworks can close off avenues of investigation. By challenging traditional theories through investigating this under-analysed region, we aim to contribute to the ongoing decolonisation of the curriculum and welcome those who wish to contribute to this effort.
