Comprising a network of subscribers around the world, the readership of The Newsletter has steadily grown since our first issue in 1993. After over three decades, that audience now includes scholars, activists, students, and professionals – anyone with an interest in the histories, cultures, languages, and politics of Asia.
The print editions are regularly displayed and distributed in university buildings, public libraries, art museums, faculty offices, and conference halls. On the occasion of our 100th issue, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the encouragement we regularly receive from these readers and institutions. Our readership constitutes a vibrant and passionate community, and that community strengthens and sustains all the work done by IIAS to amplify Asian Studies research. As the publication continues to adapt to an ever-changing world, we look forward to engaging further with readers and fostering meaningful conversations and new modes of knowledge dissemination.
Fig. 2: A reader peruses Issue #5 of The Newsletter (Photo courtesy of IIAS, c. 1995).
"The Newsletter brings information that is outside our direct area of interest/concern. And that is what makes the magazine so interesting to read or, to put it poetically: it is the window through which we can look outside."
"Every section of The Newsletter is highly engrossing and highly readable."
"For me, it is a good source of info to keep an eye on recent developments, topics that otherwise you do not hear about. It is a bit similar to listening to other people chat in a university hallway. For those of us who are outside of academia but want to know what's going on in research, The Newsletter is the way to go. So, please keep up your great work!"
"I subscribed to The Newsletter decades ago. It is one the best academic newsletters that updates me on ongoing Asian and South Asian research activities."
"For me, an economist, with an interdisciplinary and institutional orientation, The Newsletter serves as a source of the historical and cultural dimensions of the Asian development process."
"Leading voice in Asian Studies. A global platform for different voices."
"I have subscribed since the mid-1990s. While teaching I appreciated many of the articles that gave me stories and insights that I could use for my lectures. I sometimes reproduced articles for students to read as part of their class material."
"The diversity of topics covered allows for a well-rounded understanding of Asian Studies, with sections dedicated to scholarly articles, commentary, and reflections that enrich the academic discourse. For instance, the features on contemporary issues provide insights into current events and their implications, while the profiles of emerging scholars and practitioners showcase fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Additionally, the inclusion of cultural contributions, such as art and film critiques, broadens the understanding of Asia by highlighting the interplay between culture and academic study. This multifaceted approach ensures that readers not only stay informed but also engaged with a variety of voices and disciplines within the field."
"Unlike many other academic journals that may adhere to stricter formats and limited themes, The Newsletter engages with a wider array of topics that challenge conventional boundaries of Asian Studies, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and providing a platform for both established and emerging scholars. Additionally, its commitment to accessibility and community engagement further sets it apart, actively seeking to reflect the complexities of Asia's narratives and experiences both within and beyond the region."
"As an open-access publication, it reaches a diverse global audience, including researchers, policymakers, and the general public. The content strikes a balance between academic rigor and public scholarship. Many Asian Studies journals operate within specific national or regional frameworks, whereas The Newsletter takes an international and transregional approach, linking Asian studies with global trends. By combining academic depth with accessibility and interdisciplinary dialogue, The Newsletter offers a unique and valuable platform for those interested in Asian Studies."
"I have been amazed with the wide range of themes covered and insightful presentations each time I read your articles."
"In an age of digital media, I appreciate receiving The Newsletter as a hard copy publication in the post. I find it convenient, and the fact that it is free is a bonus. Although I generally only read full articles in the print version, I always look at the online notifications as well to get firsthand news about upcoming events and articles."
"It really focuses on Asian Studies and its different fields of study. For a young scholar like me, it is good to understand that, within Asian Studies, I can use several approaches to work on several issues."
"As a US-based scholar, I appreciate getting news on European Asianists, which the newsletter provides."
"I first subscribed to keep up to date with trends in Asian Studies to help my professional work at the time as an Asian Studies Librarian. It has also been of help in my own field of Southeast Asian History."
"I am a college teacher in the state of Kerala, India. Impressed by the high quality of The Newsletter during a 2022 visit to Leiden, I immediately subscribed to it. Over the past two years, I have been receiving and reading it diligently, making it a habit to save each issue."
"I enjoy the way it explores cultures, traditions, ideas, and I like its engaging format and vibrant, colorful design."
"I have always seen the The Newsletter as a fantastic and in-depth way to communicate research-in-the-making to a large audience. Nowadays there are blogs and online publications, but The Newsletter covers much more in terms of regions and disciplines than other media. It is comprehensive and has different formats that create space for diverse content that you cannot find elsewhere. Reading The Newsletter is always very inspirational and helps to think outside of the box."
"The Newsletter serves as a platform for both established and emerging scholars, fostering knowledge exchange without the constraints of paywalls or disciplinary boundaries."
I appreciate the diversity of topics and cultural perspectives. It is interesting to read (and listen) about aspects of cultures that make them unique and shape them.
"I'm now out of the field of Asian Studies, but I'm still an omnivore where it comes to publications and fields of interest. So I read every issue of The Newsletter from cover to cover."
"The Study, The Focus, and The Network are must-reads."
"It would be great to see the Newsletter reach even more people and expand further. It offers insights into worlds we might never otherwise experience. In a way, it builds bridges."
"It's perfect and complete."
I really appreciate the current newsletter and hope to receive it for a long time to come.