Change - conflict and convergence : Austral- Asian scenarios

The intensely provocative theme of 'change' - whether traced through motifs of convergence or conflict - has attracted international contributions to this volume from some of the best-known authorities in different disciplines. The commentaries range from diplomacy on the world scene and the emergent 'Asian century' to the disempowerment of a Muslim community in Sri Lanka, the problems of an ageing community, cricket and Sri Lankan art; from the changing perception of Australia in Asia, Australian modernity and issues of globalisation, to literary blogging and trade performance; from change among Bollywood audiences to the development of an Indian cyberproletariat; from Aboriginal issues in Australia to the development of Australian studies in Spain. The need for affirming the autonomy of literary studies from the social sciences, for considering the potential of 'junction zones' in precludin nationalist exclusivity in territorial claims, probes new ways of thinking in old disciplines. Literary commentaries on writers from Australia, India, Canada, Sri Lanka and Iceland by critics from as many countries, including contributors from Malaysia and Spain, explore other aspects of the theme. The dual affiliations of many of the contributors enable the provision of piquant 'insider-outsider perspectives which enhance the interest and appeal of this publication.