Pacific Affairs: A Scholarly Review of Asia and the Pacific
Pacific Affairs (PA) serves as a premier Canadian peer-reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to the academic study of contemporary political, economic, and social issues across Asia and the Pacific. By providing a platform for rigorous research, the journal helps scholars and policymakers navigate the complexities of one of the world's most dynamic regions.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1926 (as an IPR newsletter); renamed in May 1928.
- Publisher: University of British Columbia, Canada.
- Impact Factor: 1.4 (2023).
- Frequency: Published quarterly.
- Scope: Contemporary political, economic, and social issues in Asia and the Pacific.
Historical Evolution
The journal originated in 1926 as the newsletter for the Institute of Pacific Relations (IPR). It officially adopted the name Pacific Affairs in May 1928 and has maintained continuous publication since that time. During the period between 1934 and 1942, the publication was shaped by the editorship of Owen Lattimore and William L. Holland.
A significant shift in the journal's administration occurred in the early 1960s. Following pressure from Senator Joseph McCarthy, which led to the dissolution of the IPR in 1960, the journal moved from its headquarters in New York to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, in 1961. Today, it is housed within the University's Institute of Asian Research.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Editorial Structure and Governance
The governance of Pacific Affairs is managed by an executive committee. This committee consists of an editor and several associate editors who provide specialized geographic expertise. These regions include:
- Asia General
- China and Inner Asia
- Japan
- Korea
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Australasia and the Pacific Islands
Additionally, the committee includes representatives from the University of Northern British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.
Content and Publication Formats
The journal focuses on original research but diversifies its content through different formats. In addition to full-length scholarly articles, it publishes perspectives—which are shorter, concise articles. The journal also frequently curates special issues centered on common themes, such as ocean claims in the South Pacific, seeking agency for change in a hypermobile world, and the renegotiation of social risks in Japan and China.
Digital access is provided via Ingenta for online subscriptions. Furthermore, the journal's complete archives dating back to 1926 are available through JSTOR, subject to a four-year moving wall.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print) | 0030-851X |
| ISSN (Web) | 1715-3379 |
| OCLC Number | 851140338 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Pac. Aff. |
| Indexing | Scopus, JSTOR, CODEN, LCCN, MIAR, NLM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Pacific Affairs?
The journal publishes peer-reviewed academic research focusing on contemporary social, economic, and political issues within the Asia and Pacific regions.
Who currently publishes the journal?
It is published by the University of British Columbia in Canada and is housed in the Institute of Asian Research.
How often is the journal published?
Pacific Affairs is a quarterly publication.
What are "perspectives" in the context of this journal?
Perspectives are shorter articles published alongside original research to provide concise academic insights.
Where can I access the journal's archives?
The full archives from 1926 onwards are available via JSTOR, while current online subscriptions are managed by Ingenta.