The rise and development of Area Studies emerged in the aftermath of the Cold War in the USA, promoted by US state actors and private foundations, which led to a substantial expansion in the field. However, tensions arose due to focus on national contexts and criticisms of the US and pro-Western orientation. With theories of globalization and the end of the Cold War, Area Studies seemed out of step with global processes. The author discusses personal experiences to illustrate these tensions at a micro level. The author emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinarity in Area Studies and highlights the significance of recognizing the predictability of unpredictability and the inherent variety of social systems and regions. This fosters a sense of collaboration and consensus in studying diverse societies.