The importance of economic history in current Asian Studies

Abstract

Does economic history matter in Asian studies? Such a question appears all the more relevant after students of Asia, in particular Southeast and East Asia, were taken by surprise twice, first by the so-called miracle of rapid economic growth in a number of countries, then by the sudden and deep crisis of the late 1990s. This contribution first determines the position of economic history within the historical study of Asia. Illustrations are drawn from Southeast Asia in particular. Then attention shifts to the need for a historical perspective when trying to understand the recent economic crisis. Examples here derive from both Southeast and East Asia. The paper concludes with a plea for a more rigorous integration of economic history with respect to the disciplines of both history and economics.