ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the manifestations of Asian cosmopolitanism and examines several debates on cosmopolitanism in Asia. It describes the data and measurement and addresses the four debates on cosmopolitanism through an empirical testing. Asia's rich cultural heritage has often been regarded as the basis for Asian cosmopolitanism. The hybrid and dynamic societies of Asia are rooted in the deep traditions of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Confucianism. In one debate over the nature of cosmopolitanism and its relationship to nationalism, one side holds the view that cosmopolitanism embraces nationalism and the other side pits the 'new' cosmopolitanism against an ageing nationalism. One view holds that lifestyle cosmopolitanism is likely to lead to or promote critical cosmopolitanism as the former extends one's horizon and knowledge. Robin Cohen argues that theories on contemporary cosmopolitanism have often overlooked the importance of tourism.
