📅 Date: April 16, 2025
📍 Location: Tallinn University
Application deadline: March 14, 2025
We invite you to apply for the Eur-Asian Border Lab’s workshop at Tallinn University, which will explore the dynamics of inter- and intra-ethnic connectivities in negotiating cultural heritage, ethnic identity, and cross-border linkages in Southeast Asia and beyond.
This workshop focuses on the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity that characterizes these regions. Ethnic communities experience a wide range of social, economic, and political dynamics, from inequality, marginalization, and persecution, to acceptance, resourceful adaptation, and dynamic interactions. Bringing together scholars from Southeast Asia and Europe, the event will showcase recent research on the diverse strategies employed by ethnic communities to navigate and adapt to these varied contexts.
We will examine ethnic and cultural linkages that cross boundaries, challenging traditional concepts of state and territorial constructions in Southeast Asia, Northeast India, and Southwest China. By focusing on ethno-linguistic identity and ethno-cultural connectivities, we challenge the conventional bounding of territory. Concepts like Zomia, Suvarnabhumi, and the Upper Mekong Region move beyond state-centric terms, while the term “Boundless Southeast Asia” aims to capture the multiple, interconnected spaces across these territories.
The workshop asks the following broad questions:
- What are the processes and strategies through which members of ethnic communities advance intra- and inter-ethnic connectivities in diverse contexts? What bordering mechanisms are at play?
- What are the limits of state and regional concepts for studying social change and connectivities among ethnic groups? And what are alternative approaches?
- What are the limits of focusing on ethnic identity, rather than gender, age, class and other features?
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit an abstract from 300 to 500 words to the email address info@borderlab.eu by March 14, 2025, including your name, affiliation and contacts. Accepted papers will be announced on March 17, 2025 by e-mail. Lunch, dinner and coffee breaks at the workshop will be covered by Eur-Asian Border Lab. All other costs are up to the participant.
Project no 101077207 „Advancing Trans-Regional Border Studies“ is funded by the European Union.
