The workshop invites interdisciplinary contributions on political and socio-economic transformations in South and Central Asia, including political processes and behaviour, institutions, conflict and cooperation, economic transformations, social and economic inequalities, environmentalism, securitization, and social attitudes and change.

Applications are open to PhD candidates and assistant/associate professors in Pakistan and elsewhere conducting research on the region. Scholars attending the AAS in Asia Conference are especially encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will be notified in early May and asked to submit a first draft of 6,000 to 9,000 words by August 7, 2026.

The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (JSAMES) hosted by Villanova University’s Center for Arab and Islamic Studies, are pleased to invite paper proposals to be published in the JSAMES.  The journal is seeking contributions from early- and mid-career scholars based in Pakistan or those attending the 2026 Association for Asian Studies in Asia (AAS in Asia) Conference at LUMS to submit their research on “Political and Socio-Economic Transformations in South and Central Asia”. 

Under this general theme, we welcome contributions that focus on political processes, political behavior, institutions, patterns of conflict and cooperation (both within and across countries and non-state actors), economic transformations, social and economic inequalities, the political economy of inequality, environmentalism, securitization, social attitudes and change in the region, as well as other related topics. Topics can adopt any methodological, theoretical, or conceptual perspective. Interdisciplinary contributions are encouraged and especially welcome. 

Scholars attending the Association for Asian Studies in Asia conference are especially encouraged to apply. Publication in the JSAMES is contingent upon a successful peer review process.