Recent Social, Environmental, and Cultural Issues in East Asian Societies (Advances in Religious and Cultural Studies (ARCS))

East Asian societies continue to react to developments occurring in the Western part of the world as well as influence development elsewhere due to the global reach of East Asian economies and the increased political weight of East Asian societies. These systems have distinctive features often connected with local social and cultural traditions. However, these traditions are constantly being reinterpreted, and the changing meanings attached to them must be taken into account. Recent Social, Environmental, and Cultural Issues in East Asian Societies is an essential research book that explores various social, environmental, and cultural issues challenging modern East Asian cultures and their implications on society. Featuring a wide range of topics such as local identity, social risk, and government policy, this book is ideal for researchers, policymakers, sociologists, managers, anthropologists, politicians, diplomats, academicians, and students.

Mika Markus Merviö is a Professor of International Relations at the Kibi International University, Okayama, Japan. Previously he has been working at the University of Tampere, Finland, from which he also received his Ph.D. (International Relations). Then he moved to the International Christian University, Tôkyô, Japan as a JSPS researcher and from there to the Miyazaki International University and the University of Shimane, where he worked as a Professor. From 2000 he has been working at the Kibi International University. His research interests include political and social issues, history, art and environment.