CALL FOR PROPOSALS:
“The Dynamics of Globalization in Asia-Pacific:
Realizations and Self-Governance in Less-Endowed Settings
(An Integrated, Multi-Level Research Proposal)”
(working title)
Globalization poses significant challenges to small nations, ‘second tier’ cities, and
many populations in them, including disadvantaged ones. These settings and
populations often have limited resources, uneven financial and educational capital,
and only few areas of excellence – they surely lack the multitude of ‘competitive
advantages’ of major super powers and global centers. Little is known about
successful strategies of smaller nations and aspirant communities in the global
world, and of how globalization affects them and how they build capacity for
success; such knowledge is fragmented, piecemeal and incomplete at best. The main
theme of the proposed integrated research proposal is to better understand,
through expanded theory and empirical knowledge, successful efforts of small
nations, ‘second tier’ cities, and various (incl. disadvantaged) populations in dealing
with challenges of globalization. The empirical setting is Asia-Pacific.
We envision a multi-level, multi-disciplinary effort to build such knowledge, and
welcome a broad range of topics. Below are some examples: (i) How do small
nations and regions influence international debate among larger nations in changing
Asia-Pacific dynamics? What is the role state-society relations in these efforts? (ii)
How are communities, urban regions, economies and workforces adapting and
reinventing themselves in face of new objectives of global import (e.g. green growth,
free trade/competition, quality of life)? What specific challenges does globalization
pose, and exactly how has globalization affected these communities? (iii) What is
the impact of globalization on the identity and well-being of local communities,
including disadvantaged populations? What is the role of state-society relations in
enhancing their self-realization and governance? Again, we welcome abroad range
of research topics under the above theme.
The proposed effort is initiated by IDAS and IMAS for NCCU faculty and doctoral
students, in conjunction with faculty at other Taiwan and international universities.
Prospective project outcomes include (i) symposia in SSCI-journals, (ii) at least one
edited book, (iii) an international conference, (iv) doctoral dissertations, and (v)
NSC funded research. Participating faculty also benefit from (vi) access to Englishspeaking doctoral students, by submitting NSC grant proposals under a larger
umbrella, and access to new perspectives. We have ample international experience
in such projects. As to timeline, we are currently canvassing interest among faculty
and students. Dr. Berman will lead in developing an integrated framework over the
Summer 2012, and faculty will develop individual research proposal in Fall 2012.
The working language is English. (While many Taiwan faculty do not know the
status of their current grant applications, they can always decline later or bring in
other faculty.)
2
We welcome a broad range of perspectives and approaches. As to the integrated
framework, we will likely assert that economic liberalization of borders, while
necessary, is seen as being insufficient to ensure the development and security of
communities and people. The constrained conditions of small nations, ‘second tier’
cities, and disadvantaged populations require more assertive efforts than those of
large, powerful nations that may depend on other factors for their success. In
addition, the dynamic context of Asia-Pacific includes high competition, large
populations, emerging democracies and environmental concerns that pose further
challenges and imperatives. In face of this, relevant strategies may be those that
strengthen individual and small group capacities, provide empowerment and foster
collaborative relations across sectors and with the state dealing with these and
other strategies. These basic propositions are readily further, theoretically
developed and adapted in ways that are suitable and appropriate for participating
faculty and their individual research proposals.
Interested? Want to know more? Please contact Dr. Evan Berman at
evanmberman@gmail.com before June 1, 2012. We are currently looking for
expressions of interest and dialog around any specific topics that faculty my wish to
undertake. We hope to hear from you and to learn about your research interests
and/or any specific topic you might propose.
Evan Berman