Tan Lejos, Tan Cerca: On the Intellectual Implications of Latin American Studies in East Asia

Abstract

The Pacific Ocean separates East Asia and Latin America but also opens a window of opportunity for exchanges between the two regions. Due to the rapid development of bilateral economic relations, increased government research funding and ever deepening intellectual curiosity among scholars, the development of Latin American Studies in China has seen unprecedented developments over the past two decades. Japan and South Korea also have a long history of engagement with Latin America, and research communities in both countries have already developed distinct traditions and approaches to studying the region. With the globalisation of Latin American Studies, East Asian scholars face common challenges and responsibilities as they make important decisions about the way they view the North Atlantic research tradition and refine their identity or cultural consciousness as the subject of the "South" in the cognitive system of the global frame. In 2014, East Asian Network of Latin American Studies (EANLAS), a regional academic community promoted by the joint efforts of Latin American scholars from Japan, South Korea and China, is expected to serve the realization of the above visions at the entity level through communication and collaboration with relevant academic networks at various levels.