It is an exciting initiative from the University of Bristol that:
Rationale
The biggest challenge we face today is East Asia: its economies and its politics, its security fractures and its environmental issues, and its globalising cultures. The challenge for Europe, for Britain, and for the University of Bristol, is to understand East Asia, engage with it, and prepare for a century in which Asia will be a leading player. The Centre for East Asian Studies will equip Bristol to play a prominent role in that project. It will draw together existing scholars and bring in new specialists to provide a core of interdisciplinary expertise that will direct and lead world-class research into contemporary East Asia and its historical foundations. Central to this Bristol initiative will be a distinctive research programme that builds on our proven track record in contemporary policy engagement and our existing research expertise and institutional links, taking as its key themes the EU-Asia relationship, and historical and contemporary perspectives on globalisation.
Background
The Centre for East Asian Studies originated in separate but coincident initiatives within the Faculties of Social Sciences and Arts. Developmental work has been supported by funds from the Vice Chancellor and has involved an assessment of existing research strengths and teaching interests within the Faculties, consultation with key staff, the Development Office, the Institute of Advanced Studies and preliminary contacts with outside bodies and relevant members of Council.
On the 1st August 2010 The Centre for East Asian Studies merged with the Departments of Politics and Sociology to create the new School for Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS).