Any schoolboy knows that the Earth is round, and all corners of the world only conditionally.So why Asian countries are called Eastern countries so far?Well, in Europe, but in fact they just called and in the United States and even in Australia!Although for them, this region is much more likely in the west or in the north than in the east.In turn, why Australia for the Europeans is not an Eastern country, but neighboring Indonesia has quite a East?
The answer to all these questions, as on many others, lies in the historical past of our world.Why is that?Asian countries called the countries of the East from the time when Europeans are only familiar with the surrounding continents and made their epoch-making discovery.After all Europeans in modern times is not just tied up in one world, all six continents of the Earth, but also to impose on all their vision of the world.Not surprisingly, the powerful militarily became the center of Europe, and all the rest of civilization - only the periphery.Today, when we say so, it's just ingrained in us says Eurocentrism.A vacation in the Far East, by the way, still attracts Europeans for its ancient legends of the extraordinary exotic of these countries.In this state, by the Europeans in the same region, such as Australia, are not considered due to their eastern European, but not eastern culture.As you can see, it is not always the case only in geography.
Asia-Pacific
However, it should be noted that "the countries of the Asia-Pacific region" - a concept that encompasses several different geographical area, besides having several other emotional.In the Asia-Pacific region includes states from four continents (Asia, Australia, North and South America), with access to the Pacific Ocean.To him belong to the same country, and Oceania.
course, common to all these countries is the geopolitical interest in the Pacific Ocean.This leads, on the one hand, for close political and economic cooperation, and on the other - to periodic conflicts over resources of the Pacific Ocean and influence in the region.As for the emotional color at the mention of these countries, here we return to the question about why Asian countries are called Eastern countries.It is no accident in recent years, many residents of Europe and the Americas have doubts, call whether eastern or western countries, Japan.Or to what the world include South Korea, for example.Here, too, the situation is not so much geographical location, but rather a cultural form, which shows the world the country.Far Eastern states in recent years have demonstrated such a high economic, industrial and social growth based on technological west that it is hard to attribute their unique only to the oriental civilization.It should nevertheless be borne in mind that the countries of Asia are still quite loyal to their traditional values, learning to combine them with Western technology.
So, at the end of the nineteenth century the Japanese during the reforms in the country have proclaimed the doctrine of "Kokutai" which can be translated as follows: "Western Technology and the Japanese spirit."The full implementation of this doctrine can perhaps be observed only in the second half of the twentieth century and today.They managed to create a viable synthesis of Western democracy and technologies clan loyalty, has become a corporate and samurai spirit.Similarly, we passed by and some other countries in Southeast Asia.Actually, this is why Asian countries are called Eastern countries.
