Shifting States: EASA Anthropologies of the State Network Conference
Download the Booklet of abstacts and the Programme.
As anthropologists interested in the state, we seek to make sense of the dynamics of power, governance, and identity in the face of contemporary crises.
The current climate of conflict in Africa, the Levant, Southeast Asia, and Europe, the attempts to restrict asylum claims amid economic austerity, and the re-legitimisation of imperial aspirations, necessitates critical reflection on shifting state formations. This conference invites participants to explore the (re)formation of states, including dynamics of authoritarianism and the implications of state absence or failure.
We encourage contributions that combine theoretical innovation with empirical research, fostering an understanding of how shifts in governance and statecraft manifest in diverse contexts. Additionally, we invite discussions on contemporary issues, such as the impact of artificial intelligence on state laws and bureaucracy, and how trust and distrust in state institutions shape public perceptions and responses to governance. As cost of living and housing crises escalate in urban areas, how do communities envision the state’s role in addressing their pressing needs? In an era marked by rising polarisation and contentious elections, what are the implications for governance and social cohesion?
We welcome papers that engage with such pressing questions, offering empirically grounded and theoretically informed reflections on the broad topic of shifting states. Submissions that address the theme of states of emergency while contributing to debates in the anthropology of the state are particularly encouraged. The EASA network on Anthropologies of the State aims to foster robust discussions that are not confined only to classical academic anthropological approaches, encouraging participants to be creative and innovative in their contributions. We hope to illuminate the intricate relationships between shifting state formations and forms of governance, societal expectations, and the lived realities of individuals in times of uncertainty.
The keynote talk
Disavowed enemies: The criminalization of the Kurdish Freedom Movement and Germany’s contradictory war on terror
Alice von Bieberstein (Humboldt-University of Berlin)
The talk examines the systematic criminalization of the Kurdish freedom movement in Germany from 1989 to the present, revealing how seemingly domestic security measures operate as extensions of transnational counterinsurgency warfare. Beginning with the first trial against Kurds in 1989 and institutionalized through the PKK ban in 1993, Germany’s approach to Kurdish political organizing demonstrates a form of exceptional governance that is familiar from critical accounts of the global war on terror, but nonetheless troubles conventional narratives of German postwar pacifism and democratic inclusion.
The conference
We welcome proposals for individual contributions and panels (with contributors, or partially full, to be completed by the organization with other individual submissions). In addition to this traditional format, we also encourage alternative formats to foster engaging discussions and innovative exchanges of ideas. Some suggested formats include but are not limited to:
- Round Tables: Informal discussions that allow participants to share insights and discuss unresolved or burning questions, or engage in dialogue on specific themes.
- Film Screenings: Presenting documentaries or ethnographic films followed by a discussion panel with filmmakers or researchers.
- Lightning Talks: Short presentations (5–10 minutes) that allow multiple speakers to share their ideas quickly, followed by a group discussion to explore connections between topics.
- Art Exhibitions: Showcasing artistic works that reflect the themes of the conference, accompanied by discussions on how art can engage with and critique societal issues.
- Community Dialogues: Inviting community members or practitioners to participate in discussions about their experiences and perspectives, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications.
We believe these alternative formats can enhance the conference experience, encourage diverse participation, and stimulate innovative thinking around the theme of shifting states.
State convenors Elizabeth Challinor and Klavs Sedlenieks. The event will be held at the University of Amsterdam in the city centre, which is readily accessible by public transport from different areas of the city.
Queries should be addressed to Dr: Flávio Eiró (f.eiro@vu.nl). You can contact Flávio below!
Organisation
The event will be hosted by colleagues from the two anthropology departments in the city: Anouk de Koning from the University of Amsterdam and Flávio Eiró from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and organised together with the EASA AnthroState convenors Elizabeth Challinor and Klavs Sedlenieks. The event will be held at the University of Amsterdam in the city centre, which is readily accessible by public transport from different areas of the city.
Sponsors
The conference is sponsored by EASA, the University of Amsterdam, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Prototyping Welfare project. Participation in the conference is free of charge including coffee, tea, lunch and drinks.