UCD Discovery Rising Star Dr. Steffen Rimner on how and why knowledge of history helps capture the Asia Pacific and its complexity
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Steffen Rimner, Assistant Professor in the School of History at University College Dublin and Director of the UCD Centre for Asia Pacific Research, talks to us about his work, his passion for East Asia and the Asia Pacific, and why universities benefit uniquely from supporting intercultural understanding now more than ever. Here are some highlights from the conversation:
A Fascination That Sparked a Lifelong Learning Experience
What began as a fascination with East Asia's rich past and transformative role in the twenty-first century early in life as an undergraduate helped Steffen to immerse himself in the multilingual research landscape in which he works today. Steffen explains how inspiring professors and firsthand experiences in East Asia are essential to any aspiring researcher and are key to grasping both the enormous variations and hidden parallels that are part of our interconnected world.
Why the Past Still Matters
Steffen points out that the past is never past - and it is connected to the future. Events that seem to come out of nowhere often have deep historical roots, especially in East Asia. By understanding how these events unfolded and why, we’re better equipped to deal with today’s complex global challenges. "The past doesn’t rest," he says, "and it doesn’t leave us alone."
Bridging a Cultural Gap
Over the years, Steffen has noticed that many people in East Asia tend to know more about Europe than Europeans know about them. He sees this as a gap that needs closing. Learning from other cultures—especially by diving into their languages, histories, and perspectives—is not just about expanding knowledge; it’s about seeing ourselves more clearly, too. “It helps us step outside our own assumptions,” he says.
The Value of Intercultural Exchange
Since they were invented, national histories have tended to focus on cultivating a sense of national identity and national pride. That’s true in East Asia, as well as in Europe. But Steffen believes that while national pride can obscure as much as it reveals, living, studying and pursuing research in several East Asian countries, by contrast, reveals how much on a fundamental human level different people have in common and how much each side can learn from the other. Intercultural exchange, he says, breaks down clichés and helps us connect with authenticity and understand each other with accuracy.
History That Crosses Borders
Steffen’s first book, (opens in a new window)Opium’s Long Shadow: From Asian Revolt to Global Drug Control, examines how East Asian and South Asian outrage over the opium trade mobilised public opinion and policy in Western Europe and North America. The proliferation protest played a major role in ending the era of empire-backed drug trafficking. It’s a powerful example of how suddenly and swiftly public and private sentiments can connect across continents, with major political consequences. For young researchers, his advice is simple: go beyond the classroom. Travel, study, and engage with the cultures you’re researching to really understand them.
Looking Ahead: UCD’s Asia-Pacific Vision
Steffen highlights the key role that can be played by the UCD Centre for Asia-Pacific Research. He sees Asia as crucial to Ireland’s and Europe’s future—not just economically, but culturally and politically. Europe, he believes, has some catching up to do when it comes to Asian studies, especially compared to the U.S., which built much of its academic strength in this area through long-term partnerships with East Asian institutions. To truly understand East Asia, he says, we need to talk with East Asians—not just about them. And many of them, he adds, are more than willing to share their views.
In a world where global change is constant, Steffen believes building these connections is not just valuable—it’s indispensable. And through the work of the Centre, UCD is in a good position to build on existing strengths and help Ireland take a meaningful step in that direction.