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Many smaller polities are well known both for their special achievements as well as for particular problems of democratic governance. The political and scientific relevance of these experiences reaches well beyond the borders of the countries immediately concerned. For this reason, the study of smaller countries has long become a constituent part of international democracy and governance research. This series creates a forum specifically dedicated to the analysis of politics and democratic governance in the smaller European countries including their international aspects. The series encompasses case studies as well as comparative contributions whose focus is not necessarily strictly confined to the family of smaller democracies in Europe. The international team of accomplished editors ensures that volumes published in this series will meet the highest standards of international research.

This series presents new findings of research on Japan and its place, connections, and interactions within East Asia. Politically, people often perceive Japan as part of the “West”, whereas culturally the nation appears to many still as “the (essential) Other”. Instead of localizing Japan in such a simplistic way – be it as part of “the West” or as part of the “East” – it is assumed here that a historical configuration exists in East Asia which distinguishes interactions in the region. The present situation of East Asia should be understood against the background of Japan’s role in modern and contemporary history. In addition, Japan will be analyzed also as a pioneer when it comes to integrating East Asian countries into international institutions and scholarly exchange. Methodologically, the contributions to the series are not limited to one single approach. However, it will be mandatory to use primary sources in Japanese and other East Asian languages and to refer to research results of Japanese scholars in order to fulfil a truly international standard of research. An internationally composed advisory board guarantees the scholarly quality of each volume. Contributions to this series are of interest for scholars and students in History, Political Science, Intellectual History, Sociology and, of course, in area studies of East Asia.