Royal Society for Asian Affairs

Royal Society for Asian Affairs Advancing knowledge of Asia

If you missed it earlier this week, the latest issue of Caravanserai is now available.To mark 35 years of independence i...
09/08/2026

If you missed it earlier this week, the latest issue of Caravanserai is now available.

To mark 35 years of independence in Central Asia, this special tenth issue explores the political, economic and social transformations of the region since 1991, bringing together essays by leading regional experts and photography by Claire Thomas and Christopher Wilton-Steer.

We've made the entire issue free to read, and we'd be delighted if you shared it with anyone who might be interested.

Link in the comments.

The latest issue of Caravanserai is now available.This special tenth issue marks 35 years of independence in Central Asi...
04/08/2026

The latest issue of Caravanserai is now available.

This special tenth issue marks 35 years of independence in Central Asia, bringing together leading scholars, writers and photographers to explore the remarkable political, economic and social transformations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan since 1991.

The issue features contributions from Professor Adeeb Khalid, Dr Roman Osharov, Dr Asel Doolotkeldieva, Bruce Pannier, Dr Franco Galdini, Agnieszka Pikulicka and Tim Jones, alongside superb photography by Christopher Wilton-Steer and Claire Thomas Photography.

To mark the anniversary, we've made this entire issue open to everyone. Whether you're interested in Central Asia, history, geopolitics or international affairs, we hope you'll enjoy reading it - and we'd be grateful if you would share it with anyone who may be interested.

Link in the comments.

Hemeria

This month, we were delighted to host The Rt Hon Baroness Warsi PC at the Society of Chemical Industry for the Lord Denm...
24/07/2026

This month, we were delighted to host The Rt Hon Baroness Warsi PC at the Society of Chemical Industry for the Lord Denman Memorial Lecture 2026. Introduced by our President, Professor Peter Frankopan, Baroness Warsi spoke about the themes of her recent book, Muslims Don't Matter. If you missed the event, you can now watch the recording via the link in the comments.

Yesterday, we were delighted to host Marcin Kusztal and Dr Kuat Akizhanov for a discussion on Kazakhstan, moderated by J...
24/07/2026

Yesterday, we were delighted to host Marcin Kusztal and Dr Kuat Akizhanov for a discussion on Kazakhstan, moderated by James Sharp. Often viewed through simplified assumptions, the country’s political, economic, and cultural complexity is frequently overlooked. Our speakers explored how Kazakhstan works in practice - and what international perceptions often miss. If you couldn't join us live, you can now watch the recording. Link in the comments.

What can a simple act of generosity in 1937 teach us about Kazakhstan today? In our latest blog, Marcin Kusztal explores...
24/07/2026

What can a simple act of generosity in 1937 teach us about Kazakhstan today? In our latest blog, Marcin Kusztal explores how a powerful story from Stalin’s purges reveals the enduring values of Kazakh hospitality, and why understanding them is essential for anyone seeking to build lasting relationships in the country. Link in the comments.

What happens when decentralisation is gradually reversed - not through dramatic political change, but through bureaucrat...
17/07/2026

What happens when decentralisation is gradually reversed - not through dramatic political change, but through bureaucratic reform? In our latest blog, Jonathan Manullang argues that Indonesia’s steady recentralisation reflects a recurring historical pattern, with growing central control over governance, fiscal policy, and regional autonomy carrying significant implications for democratic accountability and territorial inequality. Link in the comments.

If you're 28 or under, we've introduced a new way for you to join the Royal Society for Asian Affairs.As a Young Friend,...
15/07/2026

If you're 28 or under, we've introduced a new way for you to join the Royal Society for Asian Affairs.

As a Young Friend, you'll enjoy access to our lectures and events, eLibrary, newsletter and supporters' magazine, Caravanserai, as well as opportunities to learn and grow through Asia Connect, our mentoring scheme.

To celebrate our 125th anniversary, anyone joining as a Young Friend for the first time before the end 2026 will pay just £5 for their first 12 months.

After that, membership is only £28 per year.

Whether you're studying, starting your career or simply passionate about Asia, we'd love to welcome you.

Find out more and join us today via the link in the comments.

We are delighted to announce that the Royal Society for Asian Affairs has awarded its 2026 RSAA Medal to Tuttle Publishi...
14/07/2026

We are delighted to announce that the Royal Society for Asian Affairs has awarded its 2026 RSAA Medal to Tuttle Publishing, in recognition of its sustained and distinguished contribution to humanity's knowledge and understanding of Asia through nearly eight decades of publishing. The award marks the first presentation of the RSAA Medal under its renewed name and purpose, in the Society's 125th anniversary year.

We are deeply grateful to the British High Commission in Singapore (UK in Singapore) for hosting the ceremony at Eden Hall, and to His Excellency Nikesh Mehta for presenting the Medal on behalf of the RSAA. Congratulations to Eric Oey and everyone at Tuttle Publishing on this well-deserved honour.

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