معرفی
Kazuo Kobayashi is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Political Science and Economics. He previously served as Associate Professor (2019-2025) and held visiting positions at University of Warwick (2018-present). His work bridges economic history and global trade networks.
- PhD in Economic History from London School of Economics
- Focus on West African consumers' role in shaping global textile markets
Research explores economic history through globalization and commodity chains, particularly Indian cotton textiles in the Atlantic slave trade and 19th-century West Africa. His studies highlight consumer agency and tropical economies while challenging dependency theory narratives.
Papers demonstrate deep engagement with textile trade patterns, commodity flows, and economic interdependencies across Atlantic and Indian Ocean networks. Key themes include cultural exchange, market specialization, and materiality in economic systems.
- 2023 Okuma Memorial Academic Prize (Encouragement Prize)
- 44th IDE-JETRO award for developing countries' studies
- Excellent Poster Award (2014) for Atlantic slave trade research
Teaching spans global economic history and economic historiography at Waseda University since 2019. He has co-organized international academic sessions at World Economic History Congresses and contributed to museum exhibitions like African Threads Hackney Style.
