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Theme: 2. From Oceanic Crossroads: Empires, Networks and Histories
Takuo Iwata
Ritsumeikan University, Japan
Irfan Wahyudi
Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia
Takuo Iwata
Ritsumeikan University, Japan
Irfan Wahyudi
Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia
Scarlett Cornelissen
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Muhammad Saud
Universitas Airlangga, Pakistan
Hyo-sook Kim
Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
The contemporary historical relations between Asia and Africa may be traced to the Asian-African Conference (Bandung Conference), hosted by Indonesian President Sukarno in 1955. In this conference, 29 Asian and African leaders participated. Almost all participant countries had just gained their independence from Western colonies.
In the early postcolonial period, “Non-Alignment” was the common key concept for newly independent Third-World countries to show their solidarity. These countries had common challenges, such as building the nation-state, protecting sovereignty, economic development, and neutral positioning in the Cold War, which divided the world into two camps.
However, several decades after their independence, the “Third World” is no longer an appropriate grouping concept to classify developing countries collectively. After its economic liberalization policy was launched, China has enjoyed its economic development since the late 1970s. South Korea, Singapore, India, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries have followed their rapid industrialization since the 1980s. In contrast, African countries suffered economic stagnation because of the downward oil price. The 1980s was called the “lost decade for the African economy.” The economic gap between Asian and African countries has kept expanding.
We observe the significant development gap in the Global South, especially in the 21st century, between Asian and African countries. Such an economic gap transformed the relationship and partnership between the two regions. China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea have hosted their Africa development forums. It is good timing that the 70th anniversary year of the Bandung conference is approaching to reflect on the transforming Asia and Africa relations.
The presenters in this panel tackle to reflect on transforming Asia-Africa relations from cultural, diplomatic, economic, political, and international relations perspectives.
Presenter: Takuo Iwata – Ritsumeikan University
Presenter: Irfan Wahyudi – Universitas Airlangga
Presenter: Scarlett Cornelissen – Stellenbosch University
Presenter: Muhammad Saud – Universitas Airlangga
Presenter: Hyo-sook Kim – Kansai Gaidai University