A Maritime Response to the Crisis in Area Studies

Abstract

The area‐studies model of global scholarship, based on dividing the world into a set number of large, quasi‐continental regions, is under assault from a variety of intellectual and institutional forces. New, less rigid models of global scholarship are increasingly being called for by both scholars and funding agencies. One useful alternative, currently being explored at Duke University, reframes area studies around ocean and sea basins. Putting maritime interactions at the center of vision brings to light a set of historical regions that have largely remained invisible on the conventional map of the world.

• area studies
• metageography
• oceans
• world regions

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Martin W. Lewis

Dr. Lewis is an associate research professor of geography at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708–0405

Kären Wigen

Dr. Wigen is an associate professor of history.