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Call for Papers Theme: State, Society and Democracy in the Postcolony Type: Collaborative Conference Institution: American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS) Clemson University Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Location: Lahore (Pakistan) Date: 4.–6.8.2016 Deadline: 29.4.2016 __________________________________________________ Exploring contemporary scholarly debates in the social sciences and humanities leaves one with a sense that we are on a cusp of a momentous transformation. As neoliberal policies, institutions, and rationalities take root across the globe, scholars from a range of disciplines are increasingly paying attention to their impact on society and politics. In postcolonial contexts, neoliberalism takes its own distinct forms that are different from its manifestations in the West. This conference will focus on the the impact of neoliberalism on state, society and democracy in the postcolonies, particularly Pakistan. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we specifically seek to interrogate transformations in the structure of the state and its relations with society. Going beyond arguments that emphasize the shrinking of the state in the era of globalization, we are interested in understanding the remodelling and rebranding of state institutions. We invite proposals from junior and senior scholars, graduate students, artists, social workers, activists, journalists, governmental employees and others interested in the theme of the conference. Possible paper topics include but are not limited to: How are state structures and capacities changing? What new state institutions are emerging and how are they organized? How does the state present itself? What is the impact of neoliberalism on diversity and tolerance in the political realm? Does state-sponsored Islam promote coexistence in a plural society? Furthermore, we are also interested in the shifting terrain of state-society relations and seek to inquire into the nature of democratic processes. How do the state and political parties garner support? How do different societal groups understand and define citizenship? How are social and political movements addressing and engaging with the state? What is the location of religion in the state-society nexus? Paper proposals should be sent electronically to <[email protected]> no later than April 29th, 2016. The proposal should include an abstract (upto 300 words) and the presenter’s name, and affiliation. Selected applicants will be informed of the organizing committee’s decision by May 1st, 2016. Limited accommodation is available for presenters. Kindly indicate whether you would like to be considered for this facility when submitting your abstract. Keynote: Partha Chatterjee (Columbia University/Centre for Studies in Social Sciences) Organizers: Mashal Saif, Clemson University Amen Jaffer, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Sarah Shahed, Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Contact: Amen Jaffer Lahore University of Management Sciences Email: [email protected] __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org InterPhil List Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ __________________________________________________
