In this brief introductory article, Professor Robert Geyer reflects on the development of the field of Area Studies from its foundation in the USA to its spread beyond its Western traditions. Linking this to his own personal and intellectual development, Professor Geyer argues that Area Studies is a fundamentally important and interdisciplinary field that has interesting linkages to complexity theory and a range of other areas. He concludes that, given its open, exploratory and diverse orientation Area Studies tends to encourage collaboration, consensus and modesty between disciplines in our increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.