The
fight against domination and destruction continues under heavy clouds. A
global wave of resistance has once again been met with reaction, as
elites turn to barefaced nationalism,
racism and misogyny. For the world's majority, such oppression is
neither surprising nor new, given the enduring legacy of colonialism and
by-now-established forms of neo-colonial exploitation. Meanwhile,
hegemonic discourses show a frustrating capacity to
co-opt and neutralise: converting anti-capitalism into
welfare-populism, ecological resistance into green consumption, and
militant intersectionality into liberal identity politics. Anarchist
literature and organising are not automatically immune to these
problems; posing ideas and practices that are radically free from
domination requires critical reflection on assumptions and truths,
including one’s own. Despite challenges, anarchists have sustained and
grown multiple sites of resistance as well as constructive
projects, while boldly spearheading the confrontation with the far
right. Confident that the tide will turn again, the flame remains
kindled.
In
these uncertain times, the elaboration of anarchist analysis bridging
theory and practice, scholarly rigour and the insights of social
movements, is as necessary as ever.
The
5th International Conference of the Anarchist Studies Network will be
held at Loughborough University between 12-14 of September 2018.
Proposals are welcome for individual
papers, as well as for panels drawing together 3-4 papers around a
common theme.
Please send abstracts of up to 250 words per paper to the address:
asn.conference.5@mail.com
Deadline for abstracts: 28 February 2018
ASN
conferences aim to breach new frontiers in anarchist scholarship, and
encourage cross-pollination between disciplines. Contributions are
invited from within and outside
the official academic sphere, from any scholarly discipline(s), and on
any topic relevant to the study and practice of anarchism as a vital
approach to social transformation.
The
central theme for this conference is DECOLONISATION, which we hope will
inspire many of the presentations and panels. The purpose is twofold: to
stimulate discussion of
colonialism and racism as forms of oppression that anarchists oppose,
but which continue to be felt in anarchist organising; and to welcome
individuals, groups and communities who have not previously participated
in ASN events. By recognising the legacy of
non-western and anti-colonial thought and action in the anarchist
tradition, we want to strengthen the ties between contemporary
anarchists and decolonial theory and practice in the struggle against
oppression, and to use the recognition of racist and Eurocentric
practices and mind-frames to open up the event to marginalised groups.
We
therefore particularly encourage submissions from the global south and
from people of colour, as well as from women, trans and non-binary
people, and people with disabilities.
We strongly encourage panel organizers to overcome exclusion. For the
central theme, we welcome presentations that are concerned with topics
such as the following:
- Anarchist engagements with decolonial and race theory
- Anarchist geographies of decolonisation
- Anarchist movements in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, etc.
- Anarchist resonances of non-western philosophies, religions and traditions
- Anti-nationalism and anti-fascism
- Decolonial critiques of anarchism
- Decolonial critiques of the state
- Histories of anarchist resistance to colonialism
- Intersections between race/colonisation and age, class, dis/ability, gender, sexuality, etc.
- Non-western anarcha-feminism, green anarchism, individualism, etc.
- Non-western and western modes of (anti-)representation and the movement between them
In addition, proposals are welcome on ANY TOPIC related to the study and practice of anarchism.
As
well as submissions that bridge the gap between “academic” and other
forms of knowledge, we also welcome proposals for workshops, art
events/performances and experimental
pieces, and are happy to discuss any ideas that you might have.
We
welcome proposals for papers and panels in other languages, but please
send an abstract in English as well. Translation will be self-organised
during the conference on an
ad-hoc, volunteer basis.
Loughborough
University facilities are fully wheelchair accessible and induction
loops are available. We are hoping to have some travel bursaries
available for low- or unwaged
participants, especially from the global south, as well as co-organised
childcare arrangements. Although we cannot guarantee either of these at
the present stage, please do get in touch with any specific access
needs and we will do our best to meet them:
asn.conference.5@mail.com
