ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book addresses the historical origins and evolution of the Pacific Basin and its sub-regions. It explores incorporate analyses of colonialism and imperialism, migration and settlement, economic development and trade, international relations, war and memory, environmental policy, urbanization, mental and public health, gender, film, and literature. The book also explores common challenges and the diverse responses to those challenges. The Pacific Basin is a geographical grouping of peoples and countries that are proximate to the Pacific Ocean. One way to think about the Pacific Basin is as an additional layer on top of more traditional "area studies". The Pacific Basin is a region of regions, a meta-area of diverse world areas connected by the ocean. An important area of human health and human rights relates to gender identity and sexual preference.
