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New Approaches for the Study of the Pre-modern Multi-state System in East Asia:Perspectives of the “World-systems Theory” and International Buddhist Cultural Sphere

Peter I. Yun 1

1영산대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The premodern East Asian interstate relations have often been approached exclusively from the tribute system model and influenced by ahistorical perspectives of modern nation-states. However, such frameworks often simplify and distort the greater world order in the vast region that encompassed not only traditional East Asian states but also various Inner Asian states such as Khara Khitai and Tibet. In order to fully appreciate the complexity of historical reality of multi-state world order, we must make serious efforts to develop alternative frameworks and perspectives that will enable us to rethink the still influential but problematic model of the tribute system. One way to overcome the China-centered and culturalistic framework of the tribute system is to bring our attention to perspectives of the “peripheries” and relations between the "peripheries" without little or no intervention from the "center." Alternative theoretical frameworks include the “world-systems" theory and the perspective of the international Buddhist cultural sphere. Application of these theories and perspectives will force us to resolve conflicting interpretations, and such efforts may enable us to appreciate the historical reality of the premodern Inner Asian interstate relations that have heretofore been obscured by the tribute system model.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.