Asia Annual 2006

Asia Annual of 2006 like its predecessors, reiterates a multi disciplinary character through articles that deal with such different subjects as economics, history, culture, politics and international relations, that cover large time spans and political spaces. The 16 articles in this volume raise questions about identity, culture, development, security, diplomacy and alternative visions within various regions of Asia, namely South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, East Asia and Central Asia. A section of the articles focuses on the debates about a security problematique in South Asia and prospects of engagement and regional cooperation in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia, the diplomatic rhetorical and counter rhetoric in international circles and the inadequacy of ad hoc measures for ‘resolving’ the refugee crises in South Asia. India specific articles focus on the formation of cultural identities like ‘a greater Bengal’ or ‘a sporting culture in late colonial Bengal’ and issues of development and governance within the overall framework of globalisation and liberalisation. Articles on Central Asia and its overlapping peripheries deal with geostrategic and geopolitical realties of Central Asia and the enigma of Siberia as Russia’s resource frontier. A Russo-Japanese ‘Interlude’ as a significant interval in Iran’s Constitution Revolution (1905-09), and the quest for ‘a cultural convergence’ in Southeast Asia are also highlighted. Articles on West Asia and Afghanistan raise questions about the inconclusive nature of the Middle East peace process and internal challenges that have been encountered by the new regime in Afghanistan. The present volume will evoke a great deal of interest among social scientists and specialists working in the fields of history, economics, politics and international relations.