Voices from the Field

CAS Commentary Board Archive

Information for CAS Commentary Board Contributors

Critical Asian Studies is committed to critiquing the status quo, challenging received scholarly narratives, and confronting the field of Asian Studies as a whole. On the Commentary Baord, we are excited to publish Op-Eds and Commentary pieces that offer a critical perspective on contemporary affairs in the Asian region, photographic essays, letters to the editor, and other original material that reflects the aspirations and goals set forth in our Statement of Purpose. Please see below for additional details on types of essays and formatting guidelines:

• Notes from the Field

These short pieces, typically between 1,500 and 5,000 words, describe an aspect of the author’s ongoing research project. This typically will be a small part of a much larger project, and describe contingent findings, emerging questions, or field experiences.

• Commentaries

A commentary is a learned opinion piece that may or may not be footnoted and evidence-based. The author will offer a clear and concise perspective on a social, cultural, political, or economic issue of the day, one which speaks to larger questions. Commentaries usually are between 1,000 and 1,500 words.

Formatting

All Commentary Board contributions should be styled like Op-Eds or editorial essays rather than research articles, making strong arguments in clear, concise language. Essays do not need a lengthy literature or historiographical review, and should avoid footnotes. References to recent news stories are encouraged, and should be linked to original sources.

Publication Process

After submission, all Commentary Board essays are reviewed by Digital Media Editor Dr. Tristan R. Grunow. Selected essays will be undergo copy-editing prior to publication. Commentary Board pieces are not formally peer-reviewed. Upon publication, a DOI will be issued for all contributions.

For further inquiries or to submit an essay for consideration, please email CAS Commentary Board editor Dr. Tristan R. Grunow at digital.criticalasianstudies@gmail.com or fill out the form below: