Professor James C. Scott, the chief co-editor of the journal TRaNS, passed away on July 19, 2024, at his home in Durham, Connecticut, USA.
Professor Scott's seminal studies on Southeast Asia provided a profound insight into the region and its people. His work encompassed a vast array of subjects, from peasants and highlanders and revolutionaries to the various states and state-likes of the region, along with their interconnections across and beyond geographical boundaries. His work explored the behaviours and survival strategies of these actors, their networks, social and political systems, cultures, and histories. The scope of his research was so vast that it often proved challenging to define his interests, perspective, and research methods within the confines of a single academic discipline. He was a free spirit, independent of any school of thought or established way of thinking and living.
James Scott was held in high esteem within the academic community, renowned for his exceptional intellect and contributions to scholarship. Beyond these attributes, however, was a down-to-earth person, Jim Scott, who was admired and loved by all. Scott led a simple, farmer-like life, raising lambs, chickens, and cows, and never wearing a tie or jacket. He drove a pickup truck to campus and attended classes in his farm boots. On Thanksgiving, he prepared lamb for friends and students, and engaged in long conversations over beer.
The journal TRaNS, launched by the Institute for East Asian Studies at Sogang University in South Korea, is deeply indebted to Professor Scott and his legacy, to an immeasurable extent. He supported the inception of the journal in several capacities, including acting as co-editor-in-chief, authoring the introduction for the inaugural issue, and participating in a conference to mark its launch. And, the journal TRaNS has now reached its twelfth year of publication and continues to be widely read.
His contribution has also been of significant value in the field of Southeast Asian studies in Korea. He visited Korea only twice, to give a talk and lead a conference, yet his legacy is by no means small. His works are included in undergraduate syllabi, and MA and Ph.D. dissertations are often written either in alignment with or in opposition to his theories and findings. The concept of academic anarchism, unconnected to any lineage or faction, will continue to attract followers among younger intellectuals. The legacy of Professor Scott will remain strong both here and throughout East Asia, continuing to inspire scholars, students, and activists.
On behalf of the editors and board members of TRaNS, I express my profound sadness at his passing. We, the editorial staff, vow to honour Professor Scott's legacy and to uphold the journal's continuing commitment to foster a convivial, fair, and transparent forum for the advancement of scholarship on Southeast Asian studies.
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