As a new issue and a latecomer in area studies,the"Lancang-Mekong Area Studies"is attracting much attention from the academic circles at home and abroad and even from the global strategic community.This paper first discusses the theoretical specificity and strategic importance of"Lancang-Mekong Area Studies".Secondly,it focuses on analyzing the historical evolution,turning factors and characteristics of each stage of the"Lancang-Mekong Area Studies".Finally,the paper an-alyzes the geographical boundaries and country concepts of"Lancang-Mekong Area Studies",and points out the fourfold development path of"Lancang-Mekong Area Studies"in the future.
Area StudiesLancang-Mekong Area StudiesConcept InnovationHistorical EvolutionDe-velopment Path