Early Modern East Asia

This book presents exciting new research on early modern East Asia, exploring maritime connections, technological dissemination, military conflict, and the often-unforeseen consequences of missionary efforts. It demonstrates the benefits of a global history approach, outlining the complex interactions between Western traders and Asian states and entrepreneurs. Its authors also reflect on some of the big questions in global history: the enduring vitality and dynamism of East Asian societies as they grappled with the challenge of the West, the role of pirates and piracy in world history, the differing diplomatic structures that caused so many challenges to relations between East Asians and Europeans, and the rapid increase in the scale and scope of maritime trade. In the process they highlight the often surprising interconnections between war, commerce, and cultural exchange in this complicated and understudied period.