The latest issue of Caravanserai is out now! This special issue marks 35 years of independence in Central Asia, with expert analysis, photography and essays exploring the region since 1991. We've made the entire issue free and open to everyone. Please do share! Link in the comments.
This month, we hosted The Rt Hon Baroness Warsi PC for the Lord Denman Memorial Lecture 2026. Introduced by Professor Peter Frankopan, she spoke about the themes of her recent book, Muslims Don't Matter. Watch the recording via the link in the comments. #BaronessWarsi #PublicPolicy #CurrentAffairs
Yesterday, we hosted Marcin Kusztal and Dr Kuat Akizhanov for a discussion on Kazakhstan, moderated by James Sharp. They explored the country's political, economic, and cultural complexity - and what international perceptions often miss. Watch the recording via the link in the comments. #Kazakhstan
What can a simple act of generosity in 1937 teach us about Kazakhstan today? In our latest blog, Marcin Kusztal explores how a remarkable story from Stalin’s purges reveals the enduring values of Kazakh hospitality—and why they still matter for building lasting relationships. Link in the comments.
Indonesia’s shift towards recentralisation isn’t new - it echoes a long-standing historical pattern. In our latest blog, Jonathan Manullang explores how growing central control over governance and fiscal policy is reshaping regional autonomy and democratic accountability. Link in the comments.
Join the RSAA for just £5. We've recently launched a Young Friend membership for anyone aged 28 or under. Join before the end of 2026 and pay just £5 for your first year (then £28 a year). Access fascinating events, our eLibrary, our newsletter, Caravanserai and Asia Connect. Link in comments.
We are delighted to announce that the Royal Society for Asian Affairs has awarded the 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.
Become a Friend of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs. Enjoy access to our lectures and events, eLibrary, newsletter, Caravanserai and a vibrant community of people passionate about Asia - all for just £65 per year. Join us via the link in the comments.
Pakistan’s military is reshaping the country’s politics without the need for a coup. In our latest blog, Marcus Andreopoulos and Eve Register examine how Asim Munir has consolidated the army’s constitutional and diplomatic power - and what this means for Pakistan’s future. Link in the comments.
Understanding Kazakhstan: A Conversation on Politics, Economics and Culture - join us for this online discussion with Marcin Kusztal and Dr Kuat Akizhanov on 23 July 2026 at 14:00 BST. Find out more and register using the link in the comments. #Kazakhstan
Join us on 15 July for the Royal Society for Asian Affairs' annual Lord Denman Memorial Lecture with the Rt Hon Baroness Warsi PC. This will be followed by a reception with wine, canapés and music to celebrate the Society's 125th anniversary. 🎟️ Lecture: £25 | Reception: £25 Link in comments.
Is democracy in South Asia really in decline? In our latest blog, Sumit Sharma Sameer and Dr Pankaj Adhikari argue that the region's democracies are better understood as cycles of erosion, resistance and renewal. Link in the comments. #SouthAsia #Democracy
📖 A long read for the weekend: read Jessica Sequeira's new essay for the ARB, "Beyond the Score: Performance, Power, and the Hidden Histories of Music in India" 👇️ Follow the link below. asianreviewofbooks.com/beyond-the-s...
As Western leaders seek renewed engagement with Beijing, understanding China requires more than current events. Professor Michael Luk and Bryan Luk argue that the legacy of the May Fourth Movement still shapes China's worldview and foreign policy. Link in comments. #China #MayFourth
Looking for your next read? Back issues of Caravanserai are available in print and digital formats, including our latest available issue exploring economic transformation, technological change, and strategic competition across Asia. Discover the collection on our website. Link in comments.
Catch up on yesterday's online event with photojournalist Claire Thomas, who discusses her new book ALTAI: Hunters and Herders of Mongolia, recently published by Hemeria. The presentation takes us into the highlands, homes, and hearts of ethnic Kazakh herders. Link in the comments. #Mongolia
Once celebrated as Central Asia's democratic oasis, Kyrgyzstan is facing its most severe crackdown on independent journalism since independence. Our latest blog explores the decline of media freedom and its implications for the country's future. Link in the comments. #Kyrgyzstan #MediaFreedom
From Tamerlane's court to today's climate summits, Uzbekistan is reasserting itself on the world stage. In our latest blog, Sophie Ibbotson explores its growing role in environmental diplomacy. Link in the comments. #Uzbekistan #ClimateDiplomacy #CentralAsia
From Arctic Siberia’s frozen roads to wartime propaganda echo chambers, a hike becomes an unintended journey into a war-torn psychological landscape. Charlie Walker reflects on a 600-mile trek across Yakutia after the Ukraine invasion. Link in comments. #Russia #UkraineWar #Siberia
Treaty ports, revolution, gangland intrigue and economic change shaped Shanghai. Professor Michael Dillon traces its journey from colonialism to reform and resurgence - and what it may signal for China’s future. Link in comments. #Shanghai #China #ChineseHistory
ALTAI: Hunters and Herders of Mongolia - join us for this online talk with British photojournalist Claire Thomas on 18 June 2026 at 15.00 BST. Recently published by Hemeria, Claire's book invites us into the highlands, homes, and hearts of ethnic Kazakh herders. Find out more in the comments.
Catch up on yesterday's fascinating discussion between Sophie Ibbotson and author and journalist Joe Luc Barnes, exploring his new book, Farewell to Russia: A Journey Through the Former USSR. Link in the comments. #FormerUSSR #Russia #BookTalk
Martin Purbrick investigates the murky tale of an alleged deal between the British authorities in Hong Kong and triad organised crime groups during the Japanese invasion in 1941. Link in comments. #AsianStudies #HongKong
Shakar Ibrahim of the University of Sulaimani and Zhilwan Tahir of the International Islamic University Malaysia argue that the historic power struggle between different groups in Kirkuk could gradually develop into a more effective political process that encourages collaboration. Link in comments.
Panch Rishi Dev Sharma of the University of Lucknow and the University of Victoria examines every invocation of ‘president’s rule’ over the past 75 years and finds it’s largely used to ‘discipline’ states ruled by different parties from those in power in Delhi. Link in comments. #AsianStudies #India
Adam Burakowski of the Institute of Political Studies Polish Academy of Sciences tells the story of the Aam Aadmi anti-corruption movement that swept to power in Delhi in 2015 only to be swept away again in 2025. Link in comments. #AsianStudies #India
Baurzhan Rakhmetov of Maqsut Narikbayev University and Cardiff University explains the hybrid working of internet censorship in Kazakhstan, combining laws with harassment. Link in comments. #AsianStudies #Kazakhstan
Bakhytzhan Kurmanov of the University of Central Asia and Gaziz Abishev of Oxford Nizami Ganjavi Centre at the University of Oxford show how President Tokayev is slowly undoing the previous consensus on nationality issues and creating a new, more Kazakh-focused, state. Link in comments. #Kazakhstan
In a ground-breaking article, Rakhmanali Bekmirzayev of Fergana State University, Uzbekistan shows how the architectures of different social media platforms has contributed to improving or worsening inter-ethnic relations in the Fergana Valley of Central Asia. Link in comments. #Uzbekistan
Yao Bowen of S Rajaratnam School of International Studies argues that the failure of China to capitalise on Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs stems from its inability to provide allies of the US with a credible long-term alternative offer. Link in comments. #AsianStudies #China
