The Royal Society for Asian Affairs

Who we are

The Royal Society for Asian Affairs was founded in 1901.  The Society seeks to advance public knowledge and understanding of Asia through its worldwide networks, public events, publications, conservation and development of its publicly-accessible collections, and support to research.  Our quarterly journal, Asian Affairs (https://rsaa.org.uk/asian-affairs/) has been published continuously since 1914.  Our supporters' magazine, Caravanserai (https://rsaa.org.uk/caravanserai/), is issued three times a year.  We publish book reviews daily in the Asian Review of Books (https://asianreviewofbooks.com) which was incorporated into the Society in 2025.  This year we are launching a series of of scholarly editions of historically significant works in Asian Studies.

In addition to its publications, the Society makes annual travel awards in support of research, runs a mentoring programme for early-career professionals and graduate students, delivers a full programme of public lecture, runs an eLibrary, holds an annual Schools' Day for sixth-formers in collaboration with SOAS, maintains an active social media presence and organises occasional special-interest events for members.  The full range and scope of Society activities can be seen on the RSAA website at https://rsaa.org.uk. We are registered with Fundraising Regulator.

Our culture and values

The Royal Society for Asian Affairs is an open, active, and international network for informed debate about Asia, engaging experts, policy makers, and the wider public with experience, analysis, and scholarship.

The Socety values and upholds free speech and open debate, is independent of governments and political bodies and does not take institutional positions on issues of policy at its meetings or in its publications.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The RSAA strives to be an equal opportunity employer. Our intention is to treat all staff equitably with regards to the terms and conditions of employment offered including pay. 

The Society is proud to be a Living Wage Employer, and to have been awarded the Quality Mark of the Charity Excellence Framework annually since 2024.