Anthropological Quarterly, also known as AQ, is a peer-reviewed journal published by the George Washington University Institute for Ethnographic Research. AQ was founded in 1921 by the Catholic University of America and was published from 1921 to 1953 under the name Primitive Man. While continuing to publish outstanding, original, data-driven articles that advance ethnography and anthropological theory, AQ also asks intellectuals to contribute to on-going public debates relevant to contemporary experiences and public debates. Topics include: war, racism, poverty, nationalism, globalization, human rights, and the social, legal, and ethical implications of new genetic technologies. Essays on such timely topics are published in our "Social Thought and Commentary" section.

The Institute for Ethnographic Research (IFER) of the George Washington University, is housed in the Department of Anthropology, but includes scholars from other institutions. Its mission is to provide support and resources for scholars and researchers working together on intellectual, ethical, and practical issues in ethnographic theory and method. Chartered in February, 2001, IFER is a center for collaborative research and teaching and for the publication of anthropological scholarship. It publishes Anthropological Quarterly (AQ), a leading refereed journal of sociocultural anthropology founded in 1921 by the Catholic University of America and acquired by IFER in September, 2001. The journal helps IFER become known as a research center, as a place that can set new research agendas for scholars working throughout the world. IFER also hosts a distinguished speaker series. The Institute is funded by subscriptions, private donations, and royalty and distribution partnerships.