Area studies is an interdisciplinary field of scholarship that focuses on the study of specific regions or areas of the world. It involves the examination of various aspects of a particular geographic area, such as its history, culture, politics, economy, language, literature, and social dynamics. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, area studies draws from multiple academic fields, including anthropology, sociology, political science, geography, history, linguistics, and cultural studies.

The goal of area studies is to develop a comprehensive understanding of a particular region, its people, and its interactions with the broader global context. Scholars in area studies often employ a comparative approach, examining similarities and differences between different regions or exploring connections between local and global phenomena.

Examples of area studies include African studies, Latin American studies, Middle Eastern studies, Asian studies, European studies, and many others. These subfields provide opportunities for in-depth exploration and analysis of the diverse cultures, histories, and societies found around the world. Area studies research is valuable for policymakers, businesses, NGOs, and others seeking to understand and engage with specific regions of the world.