Claire Cooper

Claire E. Cooper is Visiting Professor of History at University of the South (Sewanee), specializing in Asian history with focus on global connections across East Asia and Indian Ocean regions from ancient to contemporary periods.

Her research examines:

• Japanese engagement with Dutch East India Company (VOC)
• Transcultural exchanges in early modern Asia
• Decentering Eurocentric narratives of colonialism
• Material culture and knowledge transfer

She received her Ph.D. in East Asian Studies from Princeton University following degrees from Georgetown and Harvard. Her work challenges traditional 'seclusion' narratives of Japanese history.