オーストラリアのアジア・太平洋国家化 : アジア・太平洋観の転換とAsian Studies

抄録

The development of Asian Studies in Australia reflects Australia's attitudes towards its own images in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent economic growth in Asia prompted reconstruction of Australia's commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, and Asian Studies became a tool to change Australian social norms and attitudes toward the region. Reform of Asian Studies in Australia has been in three phases. In the first phase, the main objective was to educate specialists. Specialists in Asian Studies needed to deal with the threat from the North and to find Australia's role in helping poor Asian nations. The underlying view of Asian Studies in the second phase was rather optimistic and idealistic. In the 1970s, Australia came to recognise its close economic as well as political relations with Asia, and Asian Studies were expected to contribute to better relations between Australia and the region. Still at this time, greater focus was given to Australia's contribution to Asia, rather than Asia's impact on Australia. In the third phase, the development of Asian Studies was presented as a matter of national survival. It was also clearly stated that establishing Asian Studies was the process of Australianisation' of its education system. The Asian Studies Council was formed and its initiatives have resulted in the firm placement of Asian Studies, and in particular Asian language studies in Australia's education system. The reform process of Asian Studies denotes the Australian identity, and in the Australian mind, redefining Australia's place in the world. Development of Asian Studies also provides an opportunity for Australians to rethink the nominal division between 'West' and 'East'.