Zhou (Joe) Fang

Research Topic

Bonds Across Borders: Pan-Asianism and the Forging of Transnational Solidarities in China, Korea, and Vietnam, 1905-1932

Supervisor: Professor Sho Konishi

My current research centres on nationalism and regionalism in early twentieth-century East Asia, specifically how pan-Asianist thought was shaped by transnational interactions across China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. By focusing on the period preceding World War II, I aim to highlight the evolution of alternative conceptions of Asianism and regional solidarity that diverged from the state-dominated narrative in Japan, particularly those intertwined with the anti-imperial struggles for national independence on the Asian continent.

I am broadly interested in transnational connections and international relations, both historical and contemporary. My previous work explored French empire-building in Asia. For future projects, building on the contemporary relevance of my current research, I intend to investigate reconciliation processes, nationalism in cultural heritage, and regional integration in East and Southeast Asia. Additionally, I am keen to incorporate more digital humanities methodologies into Asian studies.