Bell School Professor elected President of the Asian Studies Association of Australia

Edward Aspinall, Professor in the Department of Political and Social Change has recently been elected as President of the Asian Studies Association of Australia. He joins a long list of esteemed ANU College of Asia and the Pacific professors to hold the position.

The Asian Studies Association of Australia, established in 1976, promotes and supports the study of Asia in Australian universities, and knowledge of Asia among the broader community. The Association provides expert comment through its Asian Currents blog, specialist research articles in its journal Asian Studies Review, as well as publishing book series. The organisation’s membership is primarily academics and students, but also includes Asia experts from both the private and public sectors.

It’s new President specialises in politics of Southeast Asia, with particular interest in Indonesia. Professor Aspinall has authored two books and published over sixty journal articles on a range of topics including democratisation, elections, the separatist conflict in Aceh, ethnic politics, and ‘money politics’.

Professor Aspinall follows on from ANU academics Tessa Morris-Suzuki (ANU College of History and Languages), Robert Cribb (ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs), Robin Jeffrey (ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs) and Kent Anderson (ANU College of History and Languages). His outstanding academic career and passion for educating on topics related to the Asia Pacific has won him this prestigious role.

We congratulate Professor Aspinall and are looking forward to watching the organisation develop under his presidency.