Asia and the Pacific have long figured in German culture, specifically as a result of German literary, linguistic, and philosophical interest in Asia as the birthplace of ancient wisdom, as well as Germany's colonization of the Pacific in the 19th-century. German Orientalism is currently an incredibly fast growing field, highlighting, on the Asian side, South and East Asia. University of Hawaii is
in a unique position to enhance this scholarship and contribute the South East Asia and Pacific angle to the complexity of East-West connections. Offering new perspectives, our two-day conference will bring together international and interdisciplinary scholars, who will explore Germany's engagement with Asia and the Pacific in matters of travel and trade, colonies and missions, race and politics, as well as philosophy, literature, and art.
