This editorial introduces The Highlander: Journal of Highland Asia, a scholarly initiative dedicated to the study of highland communities across Asia, particularly in regions historically marginalized by dominant state-centric narratives. Drawing on the foundational contributions of Willem van Schendel’s concept of Zomia and James C. Scott’s theorization of state evasion, the editorial critically engages with how highland societies navigate the tensions between state incorporation and local autonomy. The discussion situates these debates within broader transformations in area studies, advocating for a methodological and conceptual shift that moves beyond rigid geopolitical boundaries. By embracing an interdisciplinary and open-access ethos, The Highlander seeks to foster new dialogues on the histories, politics, cultures, and futures of highland Asia, challenging conventional paradigms and promoting scholarship from within these communities.