University of Sussex Asia Centre (USAC)

Description

Sussex Asia Centre is a regional research centre focusing on the connective and comparative study of Asia. The centre advances this agenda through the empirical study and analysis of networks, routes, processes and dynamics that offer vivid insights into understanding both inter-Asian connections, and those that tie the region to the world beyond.

Members' collective expertise has shed light on the great connective corridors of Asia: the Eurasian landmass and the Indian Ocean world. The centre's research interests regularly collide in Asia’s dynamic yet diverse nodes, including its global cities such as Dubai, Mumbai, and Tianjin, modern commercial hubs such Yiwu in China’s Zhejiang Province, and regional towns and industrial cities, such as those in south India.

Members believe that a nuanced understanding of such networks and the inter-Asian connections they forge requires a grounding in historical scholarship. Members' scholarship is unique in the wider field however because of the degree to which it is based-on empirically rich material that throws into relief the intricate dynamics of inter-Asian networks and sites of interaction today.

Asia Centre scholars all embark on intensive research in Asia’s networks and at the nodes at which these coalesce. Members' scholarship is internationally recognised for its contributions to better understanding Asia’s commercial, religious, political, and environmental dynamics. Members are also committed to expanding their research agendas and opening-up new areas of scholarship. They are growing intrigued by Asian dynamics that revolve around food, science, health and well-being, as well as inter-Asian circulations of artists, filmmakers and performers. And they have recently held exciting events on the ties that bind West Asia to other parts of the continent.

Their research areas include:

• the environment;
• technology and policy;
• religion and popular culture;
• global capitalism and Asia;
• West Asia and the Silk Road;
• health and well-being;
• knowledge and education;

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

2015

Contact details

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University affiliation(s)

University of Sussex
Brighton