許多關於全球化的論點指出，民族國家的概念已然式微。本文並不全然贊同這種看法。或許國家的功能與角色已有某種程度的改變，但我們的日常生活主要仍是在一個國家所運作的空間中進行。作者也不認為區域研究已愈趨過時和不必要。由於不同的「所在」依然保存著其特色，區域研究不會在這個所謂的全球化時代中面臨危機。本文將探討以下課題：全球化如何賦與「區域」這個概念新生命？區域研究的學科定位為何？區域研究對全球性知識的貢獻為何？區域研究能提供哪些傳統學門所無法提供的見解？透過對上述問題提出自身的觀點，作者試圖在全球化時代中為區域研究找到一個定位。

This paper challenges the view that nation-state is in decline. Although the role and function of “state” might have changed in some aspects, the space within which a state and/or a nation acts is still of prime importance in our daily lives. The authors also deny claims that Area Studies has become unnecessary and outdated. As localities do preserve their distinctiveness, Area Studies is not jeopardized in this so-called globalizing era. This paper addressees the following issues: How has globalization given new life to the idea of ‘Area’? How should, and how can Area Studies define itself as a discipline? What is the contribution of area studies to global knowledge? The authors aim to define the role of Area studies in the age of globalization.