The Asian Journals Network

Establishing a New Research Identity in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Abstract

In August 2022, editors of 20 Asian journals in the humanities and social sciences met virtually for the 1st Asian Journals Network Conference. Among the attendees was the editor of the Southeast Asian Media Studies Journal (SEAMSJ). The Asian Journals Network (AJN) had been initiated by Kritika Kultura of Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas’ Unitas. These two academic journals based in the Philippines were also the main organizers of the conference. The editors discussed several issues, including the identity, scope, and limitations of the AJN, as well as the state of academic journal publishing in Asia, as it is influenced by a Western neoliberal publication culture that favors metrics, impact factors, and publishing in the English language. Since this academic culture puts many Asian scholars at a disadvantage, the AJN seeks to foster new ways of knowledge production and dissemination. The conference established a strong sense of community among the participating journal editors and energized the network. On 15 November 2022, the editors of 20 Asian journals formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Thus, legitimizing the existence of the AJN and pledged long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange among the member journals. This essay introduces the Asian Journals Network to a wider audience, outlines its possible future role in the humanities and social sciences in Asia, reviews and assesses salient issues and outcomes of the conference, and discusses the possible impact the membership in the network might have on the SEAMSJ.