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On the Origins of Modern East Asia: Knowledge and the Economic Transformation of Japan and China in the late 19th century

Author

Listed:
  • Debin Ma

    (Fudan University)

  • Jared Rubin

    (Chapman University)

  • Weiwen Yin

    (University of Macau)

Abstract

This paper revisits the old thesis of the contrasting paths of modernization between Japan and China. It develops a new analytical framework regarding the role of knowledge acquisition (propositional vs. prescriptive) and political centralization as the key drivers behind these contrasting paths. Our model and historical data highlight how the introduction of these elements contributed to Meiji Japan’s decisive turn towards the West and Qing China’s lethargic response to Western imperialism. Our analytical framework, developed from a comparative historical narrative and quantitative data, sheds new light on the importance of knowledge acquisition in enabling developing countries to reach the world’s economic frontier.

Suggested Citation

  • Debin Ma & Jared Rubin & Weiwen Yin, 2026. "On the Origins of Modern East Asia: Knowledge and the Economic Transformation of Japan and China in the late 19th century," Working Papers 26-04, Chapman University, Economic Science Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chu:wpaper:26-04
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    File URL: https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/esi_working_papers/435/
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    JEL classification:

    • P52 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Studies of Particular Economies
    • N45 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Asia including Middle East
    • N40 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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