Department of Asian Studies

Today, the study of Asian languages and cultures represents a forward-looking perspective, as the world’s fastest-growing economies are concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, while the Middle East remains a complex hub of political processes and international cooperation. As Latvia increasingly engages in global trade and diplomacy, it is essential to develop a deep understanding of the languages, socio-political contexts, and cultural environments of these regions, as well as to foster intercultural dialogue. These goals are realized by the Department of Asian Studies, which offers a Bachelor’s programme in “Asian and Intercultural Studies” and a Master’s programme in “Asian Studies.” The department includes centres for Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African studies. Its academic staff are recognized specialists whose research is published in journals indexed by Scopus and Web of Science, and who have authored internationally acclaimed monographs. Actively involved in research, they contribute to international economic and cultural dialogue, serve as journal editors, translation consultants, conference organizers, and experts in the fields of foreign affairs, security, and business. The study process is further strengthened through participation in both national projects (e.g., VPP) and Europe-Asia cooperation initiatives that support language learning, curriculum development, and the production of scientific publications. The department serves as a vital resource for public institutions and the private sector in matters related to Asia.