The Australian and New Zealand American Studies Association Incorporated (ANZASA) is a leading scholarly nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and promotion of American history, culture, and politics within the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1964, ANZASA serves as a focal point for academics interested in American Studies across Australia and New Zealand.

History

ANZASA was founded following a conference held at the University of Melbourne from August 13 to 18, 1964. This inaugural meeting, convened by Professor Norman Harper, brought together about 40 interested scholars and led to the creation of the Association and the election of its first executive committee. Since then, the organization has grown and become a key platform for academic engagement on American topics in the region.

Activities

The Association organizes biennial conferences that gather scholars from Australia, New Zealand, and beyond to share research and foster discussion on American studies themes. These conferences represent the principal event in ANZASA’s calendar, facilitating scholarly exchange and networking opportunities.

ANZASA also publishes the Australasian Journal of American Studies (AJAS), a biannual peer-reviewed journal that features research on diverse aspects of the United States, from historical to cultural and political analyses. These twin pillars—the conference and the journal—anchor the Association’s commitment to supporting scholarship and fostering academic communities interested in American studies.

Supporting emerging scholars is a hallmark of ANZASA’s activities, reflecting its dedication to nurturing new generations of researchers in the field.

Governance

The Association is governed by an executive committee comprising academics from leading universities in Australia and New Zealand. The President oversees the organization, supported by vice presidents representing Australia and New Zealand, a treasurer, secretary, and several committee members. Current leadership includes:

• President: Prudence Flowers (Flinders University)
• Vice President (Australia): Brendon O’Connor (University of Sydney)
• Vice President (New Zealand): Peter S. Field (University of Canterbury)
• Treasurer: Aaron Nyerges (University of Sydney)
• Secretary: Jennifer Frost (University of Auckland)

Committee members are drawn from various universities to ensure broad representation across the region.

Significance

ANZASA holds a distinguished place in the academic landscape of the Asia-Pacific region as the primary association devoted to American Studies. It provides a vital forum for scholars to historicise, transnationalise, and interpret the American experience from a regional perspective. The Association’s enduring commitment to scholarship and collaboration continues to enhance understanding of the United States within Australia and New Zealand.

Australian and New Zealand American Studies Association Incorporated is registered as a nonprofit under ABN 20291854746RR0001.

[1] https://anzasa.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/54542bdd-2daf-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [3] https://anzasa.org/about/ [4] https://www.theasa.net/2023-australian-new-zealand-american-studies-association [5] https://www.anzsana.com