P. P. Karan's research interest is in the application of geographic theories and methodologies to analyze problems of environment, development, and social change in non-Western cultures. His current research involves analysis of sustainable development and environmental management paradigms; models of economy and environment; nature-society relationships; theories of multinational corporations' locational behavior; and the role of multinational corporations in the environment, development, and social restructuring in the Asia-Pacific region. Examples of Paul's most recent research are the political economy of environmental movements; environment and development in Nepal; regional assessment of environmental change in the Himalaya; spatial structure of social networks and development levels in South Asia; social construction of nature and environment in Japanese landscapes; and social and environmental impacts of Japanese investments in the Asia-Pacific region. A Distinguished Professor (1985-86) in the College of Arts and Sciences, Paul chairs the UK Japanese Studies Committee. He is a charter member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and serves as development planning and environmental management consultant to governments and international agencies in the Asia-Pacific region.