“The Dragon” and “the Elephant” symbolize the rise of two Asian economic giants, China and India, in the context of present day globalization. They experienced varied paths of development and witnessed fundamental transformation in the last quarter of the twentieth century. It has been observed that in the recent past both countries have experienced "diversified, expanded, [and] accelerated economic growth, improved standards of living and substantially improved qualities of life". Yet there are crucial differences between these two countries in socio-cultural and politico-economic policies, administrative structures, domestic policies and governance. The proposed workshop will study the dynamics of the multiple paths of development in South and East Asia.

The workshop is intended to explore the trajectories of development in the context of globalization in Asia, focusing on India and China. It is hoped that a comparative approach will present more complex scenarios and help facilitate a better understanding of the contours of Asian economic development and social formations that defy simplification. Hence, the workshop will focus on the interface between socio-economic policies and political arenas in the rise of Asian economies. Emphasis will be laid on the unfolding of developmental scenarios from the post-colonial era to the recent phase of globalization.

With regard to India, major topics to be covered include: The impact of decolonization on the South Asian economy and society; the rise and growth of Indian economic nationalism; the evolution of Indian democracy and the nation state; Indian economic development in the era of globalization; and India’s rise as an economic power. In the case of China, broad topics include: The changing nature of economic policies and developmental strategies; the role and impact of administrative institutions and governance; the interface between state and society as well as domestic and external compulsions.

Scholars are requested to present on any of the topics related to the workshop. Participants will be reimbursed for travel, lodging and boarding expenses. All are requested to send an abstract via email to the organizer until April 15, 2011.

Prof. Dr. Satyanarayana Adapa
DAAD Visiting Professor of South Asian History
Jacobs University Bremen
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Campus Ring 1 - 28759 Bremen
Email: s.adapa@jacobs-university.de