Association for Asian Studies

Association for Asian Studies
Name	Association for Asian Studies
Formation	0 1941
Type	Nonprofit organization
Headquarters	Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Membership	7,000+
Leader title	Executive Director
Leader name	Hilary V. Finchum-Sung
Website	https://www.asianstudies.org

Association for Asian Studies. It is a scholarly, non-political professional association focused on advancing the study of Asia across disciplines. Founded in 1941, it has grown into one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a global membership of scholars, students, and professionals. The association promotes research, facilitates intellectual exchange through major publications and an annual meeting, and supports the field with a robust system of awards and regional councils.

History

The association was established in 1941 as the Far Eastern Association, evolving from the previous Committee on Far Eastern Studies of the American Council of Learned Societies. Its early development was significantly influenced by the geopolitical context of World War II and the subsequent rise of Area studies in the United States. Key figures in its founding and growth included scholars such as Arthur W. Hummel Sr., the first Librarian of Congress for Chinese Collections, and John K. Fairbank, a pioneering historian of modern China. In 1956, reflecting a broader scholarly focus beyond East Asia, the organization was renamed to its current title. Its growth paralleled major historical events like the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and increased academic interest in regions such as South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Organization and governance

The association is governed by an elected Board of Directors which includes a President, Vice President, and nine councilors, all leading scholars from institutions like the University of Michigan and Columbia University. Day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive Director, currently Hilary V. Finchum-Sung, and a professional staff headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Key governance committees, such as the Program Committee and the Publications Committee, oversee core activities. The membership is organized into several regional councils, including the China and Inner Asia Council, the Northeast Asia Council, and the South Asia Council, which coordinate specialized conferences and initiatives. Financial oversight is provided by the Finance Committee, ensuring support for the association's mission and its extensive grant programs.

Publications

The association publishes several flagship, peer-reviewed academic journals that are central to the field. *The Journal of Asian Studies*, its premier publication, features research articles and book reviews across all disciplines and regions of Asia. *The Journal of Asian Studies* has been published since the association's founding. Other major periodicals include *Asia Past & Present*, which publishes new research and archival discoveries, and *Education About Asia*, a key resource for undergraduate teaching. It also publishes the *Asia Shorts* book series in partnership with Columbia University Press and the *Bibliography of Asian Studies*, a comprehensive online reference database. These publications are integral to scholarly communication, often featuring work from prominent institutions like Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Annual conference

The association hosts a large annual conference, typically held in major North American cities such as Boston, Chicago, or Denver, attracting over 3,000 attendees. The conference features hundreds of panel sessions, roundtables, and workshops covering topics from Sanskrit literature to contemporary Chinese politics. Special events include keynote addresses by distinguished scholars like Prasenjit Duara or Valerie Hansen, meetings of the regional councils, and a large book exhibition with publishers such as Oxford University Press and University of Hawaii Press. The conference serves as the primary venue for presenting new research, professional networking, and conducting the business of the association's governing boards and committees.

Awards and grants

The association administers a prestigious suite of awards and grants to recognize and support scholarly achievement. Its highest book awards include the Joseph Levenson Prize (for Chinese studies), the Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy Prize (for South Asian studies), and the Harry J. Benda Prize (for Southeast Asian studies). Career distinction is recognized through the Distinguished Contributions to Asian Studies Award. It also offers numerous grants for research, conference travel, and dissertation writing, such as the China and Inner Asia Council grants and the Northeast Asia Council grants. These funding programs are often supported by endowments named for notable figures like John Whitney Hall and support work at institutions ranging from Stanford University to Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Affiliated groups

The association maintains formal affiliations with several independent scholarly organizations that focus on specific geographic or disciplinary areas. These affiliated groups include the American Institute of Indian Studies, the Society for Chinese Studies, and the Philippine Studies Association. Other key affiliates are the Central Eurasian Studies Society, the Society for the Study of Japanese Religions, and the Asian Studies on the Pacific Coast. These groups often sponsor panels at the annual conference and collaborate on publications, helping to connect specialized research communities with the broader association. Their members frequently participate in joint committees and contribute to the association's journals and leadership.

Category:Asian studies Category:Learned societies of the United States Category:Organizations established in 1941