3rd Conference of the Asian Borderlands Research Network (11-13 October 2012, Singapore)

The conference is organized by the Asia Research Institute of the National University of Singapore; International Institute for Asian Studies, the Netherlands; the Asian Borderlands Research Network; in collaboration with the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore

Date: 11-13 October 2012
Venue: University Hall, National University of Singapore, Lee Kong Chian Wing, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077


Extensive land and maritime networks have crisscrossed Asia for centuries, providing the basis for encounters between diverse ethnic, linguistic, economic, religious, and political groups. Today, developments such as new infrastructural projects, an increase in media access, and renewed interest in shaping cross-border cultural identities serve to both underscore these long-standing linkages and create new forms of connections across Asia.  During the 3rd Asian Borderlands Research Conference in Singapore, presentations will address continuities and ruptures along routes and borders in Asia, broadly related to the theme, Connections, Corridors, and Communities.

• Connections: How are Asian borderlands made more (or less) visible through the study of cross-border connections? In what ways does the idea of the “borderland” remain resilient throughout political and historical ruptures? What are the characteristics of various kinds of connections that are being created (as well as cut off) in Asian borderlands?

• Corridors: Are networks and paths throughout Asian borderlands being forged, reopened, diverted, or closed, and what are the effects of such processes? Can one conceive of “corridors” in relation to maritime or island borderlands, information technology networks, or bodily borders in Asia?

• Communities: What constitutes a “community” or “communities” in and across Asian borderlands, and how might these be contingent upon other factors, such as politics, environmental issues, and history? What are some of the barriers and restrictions to the creation of communities in the context of Asian borderlands? In what ways is a community defined by the state, by organizations, and/or by local individuals?

Conference registration fee - Observers
The registration fee includes a conference kit, teas, lunches and one dinner.

Regular (before 1 September): 125 euro
On-site: 150 euro

(PhD) students:
Regular (before 1 September): 80 euro
On-site: 100 euro

Information and Registration
For more information and registration, please visit the website at http://asianborderlands.net

Convenors:
* Prof. Prasenjit Duara (Asia Research Institute of the National University of Singapore)
* Prof. Tansen Sen (Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore)
* Prof. Willem van Schendel (University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
* Dr. Tina Harris (University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
* Dr. Erik de Maaker (Leiden University, the Netherlands)