The most obvious topic areas are the geostrategic changes that may come from Asia’s emergence as a major locus of global productivity. The re-emergence of Asia as the dominant economic force in the global economy has consequences for the character of Asia’s interaction with the rest of the world and the internal structure of the region.
Within this topic, papers might explore questions such as the implications of demographic change, the possible future course of economic developments, the role of scientific-technological competition, the prospect for new and existing alliances, the possible dynamics of protracted peacetime military competition among major military powers, scenarios of future conflict, or other aspects of the region that might affect the goals and national interests of the United States.
Papers could combine these themes to explore, for example, how new alliances might create the basis for unexpected military contingencies, or how changes in cultural, economic, and demographic conditions could drive the creation of new political regimes. AWMF encourages papers that explore other less obvious areas that could drive changes in the internal structure of Asia and the interactions between Asia and the rest of the world that emerge from many other dynamics, such as the biology of communicable disease, human interaction with the environment, or the global movement of human capital.
Speculation about future reconfigurations of Asia should be supported by data or analyses describing historical trends or developments, concrete observations about historical patterns, or another firm foundation for forecasts. Futures described should be well-supported by evidence, but they do not necessarily need to be likely or straight-line projections from today. Authors should place emphasis on addressing questions or aspects of problems frequently overlooked or insufficiently studied; originality and boldness will be rewarded.
