Civilization

This book explores the crisis of cultural identity which has assaulted Asian countries since Western countries began to have a profound impact on Asia in the nineteenth century. Confronted by Western civilization and by modernity, Asian countries have been compelled to rethink their identity, and to consider how they should relate to Western civilization and modernity. The result, the author argues, has been a redefining by Asian countries of their own character as nations, and an adaptation of civilization and modernity to their own special conditions. Asian nations, the author contends, have thereby engaged with the West and with modernity, but on their own terms, occasionally, and in various inconsistent ways in which they could assert a sense of difference, forcing changes in the Western concept of civilization. Drawing on postmodern theory, the Kyoto School, Confucian and other traditional Asian thought, and the actual experiences of Asian countries, especially China and Japan, the author demonstrates that Asian countries redefining of the concept of civilization in the course of their quest for an appropriate postmodern national identity is every bit as key a part of the rise of Asia as economic growth or greater international political activity.