Asia as Method

“. . . much that is interesting and important, particularly concerning the impact of the Cold War on Taiwan, where Chen lives and teaches, and by implication on other Asian countries.” - Akira Iriye, Journal of Cold War Studies

“Asia As Method is a timely intervention into three currents of cultural studies: postcolonial studies, globalization studies and Asian studies in Asia. . . . Chen works toward a critical syncretism that avoids the trap of merely replicating imperialist imaginaries and neocolonial structures as it contributes to building more resilient and just cultures.” - Rita Wong, Topia

“Kuan-Hsing Chen is a rare intellectual, one who played a role in key democratic events and transitions that shaped East Asia during the 1980s and whose scholarly practice has remained loyal to potential for emancipation unleashed by these movements. This makes Asia as Method an important book. . . . [I]t represents a welcome geographical project that should garner attention from scholars in geography and a number of other disciplines.” - Jamie Doucette, Environment and Planning D

“Asia as Method is a book of genuinely international importance. It is a significant intellectual achievement and a major breakthrough for the definition and legitimation of the disciplinary practice of cultural studies worldwide.” - Meaghan Morris, Lingnan University (Hong Kong) and University of Sydney (Australia)

“Kuan-Hsing Chen has attempted something both familiar and unusual. His book takes the old slogan of decolonization seriously and evaluates its achievements in different Asian contexts. But it also calls for continuing efforts against imperialism and the cold war, acknowledging the force of nationalism as an ally but not reposing faith in it. Asia as Method signals a new direction in cultural studies.” - Partha Chatterjee, Columbia University

“Kuan-Hsing Chen is one of a handful of scholars leading the whole project of ‘internationalizing’ cultural studies—an endeavor which has positively and irrevocably transformed the cultural studies project itself.” - Stuart Hall, Professor Emeritus, The Open University

“An ambitious and fascinating book. . . . Chen’s book is as much a challenge to Asian scholars in Asia as it is to those based in Europe and the USA.” - Thomas Radice, Journal of Intercultural Studies

“This book is not difficult to read and if you want to tap into some very contemporaneous thoughts on Asian political and economic issues in relation to the colonized subject, and the colonizing subject, then I venture to say this book will exceed your expectations. I found it rich and emotional, and extremely useful for thoughts on Inter-Asian concerns. It is especially relevant for us all as we live within the forces of globalisation, and in the Asian region, and for Australians as colonized and imperialised subjects. . . . I can highly recommend this book to all who are involved in Asian Studies.“ - Be Ryan, M/C Reviews