2018 is the year the Institute of Area Studies, Peking University (PKUIAS) hoisted its sails. Established in April, PKUIAS guides basic research and conducts both fundamental and predictive studies covering major issues in key countries and regions. It provides a research paradigm with Chinese characteristics while making full use of PKU's advantages, to contribute to the country's area studies and international academic exchanges and development.

2018 marks the 5th anniversary of the proposal of the One Belt and One Road initiative (BRI). The economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and the countries along the BRI routes are deepening, and the need for more systematic and in-depth academic research in various areas of the world is becoming more urgent. 2018 also coincides with the 120th anniversary of Peking University. PKUIAS, established at this time of special historical significance, represents the accumulation of PKU's long academic history and is expected to set an example for the way PKU structures its disciplines going forward. The whistle has already sounded, and the ship is about to leave the port. Discussions on PKUIAS' development dynamics, experience, vision, methods, theory, foundation, personnel training and approach to academic disciplines must go ahead. At academic seminars such as the "All Under Heaven Forum" and "Broadyard Workshops" held in 2018, many experts and scholars have conducted in-depth discussions on these topics. Here we select some of the highlights to share, for the reference of academia, policymakers and people in all walks of life.