Call for papers Anarchist Studies Conference Loughborough, 12-14 September 2018

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