Global Studies

A Matriz do Poder. Uma visão analítica da Globalização e da Anti-Globalização no Mundo Contemporâneo

by Sandra Rodrigues Balão

Published by MGI Ed.

Is Global Studies a Field? (2)

by David Wank

global-e ( A Global Studies Journal, online)
August 2008, 2,2

Originally given as keynote talk at inaugural meeting of the Global Studies Consortium, Tokyo 2008

Continuing his examination, Wank investigates the case for Global Studies in terms of curriculum and degrees. Continuing his examination, Wank investigates the case for Global Studies in terms of curriculum and degrees.

Is Global Studies a Field? (1)

by David Wank

global-e ( A Global Studies Journal, online)
August 2008, 2,2

Originally given as keynote talk at inaugural meeting of the Global Studies Consortium, Tokyo 2008

Framed by a departmental quest to create a graduate program in Global Studies, Wank posits a rubric for considering... more Framed by a departmental quest to create a graduate program in Global Studies, Wank posits a rubric for considering Global Studies as a distinct field

2011 The three anthropological approaches to neoliberalism, in International Social Science Journal, Vol 61 (202) : 351–364.

by Mathieu Hilgers

International Social Science Journal, Volume 61, Issue 202, 2011: 351–364.

For around fifteen years now, anthropology has been engaged in the study of neoliberalism. What contribution does the... more For around fifteen years now, anthropology has been engaged in the study of neoliberalism. What contribution does the discipline have to make to a debate largely monopolized by economics and political science? To answer this question, the present article returns to the major texts and highlights the three perspectives from which anthropology has approached neoliberal expansion: culturalist, systemic and the approach based on governmentality. Each has its own epistemological presuppositions and a specific conception of anthropology, globalization and neoliberalism. The article highlights the relevance and limitations of these approaches.

2012, « The Historicity of the Neoliberal State », in Social Anthropology, volume 20, n° 1, pp. 80-94

by Mathieu Hilgers

Debate with Loic Wacquant “Three Steps to a Historical Anthropology of Actually Existing Neoliberalism." Social Anthropology, 20, 1, with responses in the next issue: Jamie Peck, Nick Theodore, and Neil Brenner, Stephen Collier, Daniel Goldstein, Johanna Bockman, Don Kalb...

Neoliberalism and geography: expansions, variegations, formations

by Simon Springer

Springer, S. 2010. Neoliberalism and geography: expansions, variegations, formations. Geography Compass. 4 (8), 1025-1038.

The pervasiveness of neoliberalism within the field of human geography is remarkable, especially when we consider its... more The pervasiveness of neoliberalism within the field of human geography is remarkable, especially when we consider its virtual absence from the literature less than a decade ago. While the growing attention afforded to neoliberalism among geographers is new, the phenomenon of neoliberalism is not. This paper traces the intellectual history of neoliberalism and its expansions across various institutional frameworks and geographical settings. I review the primary contributions geographers have made to the literature, and specifically their recognition for neoliberalism’s variegations within existing political economic matrixes and institutional frameworks. Contra the prevailing view of neoliberalism as a pure and static end-state, geographical inquiry illuminates neoliberalism as a dynamic and unfolding process. The concept of ‘neoliberalization’ is thus seen as more appropriate to geographical theorizations insofar as it recognizes neoliberalism’s hybridized and mutated forms as it travels around our world. I also consider some of the most salient ways that neoliberalism has been theorized among human geographers. In particular, I highlight understandings of neoliberalism as a hegemonic ideology, as a policy-based approach to state reform, and as a particular logic of governmentality, arguing that while there are significant differences between these various formations, it may also be important to work beyond methodological, epistemological, and ontological divides in the larger interest of social justice.

Slavery and Colonialism: The Worst Terrorism on Africa

by Mohamed Eno

Co-authored with Omar A. Eno, Mohamed H. Ingiriis, and Jamal M. Haji; Published in African Renaissance, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2012.

Humans need not justify terrorism of any kind, regardless of whether one is Muslim, Christian or Jew, because it is... more Humans need not justify terrorism of any kind, regardless of whether one is Muslim, Christian or Jew, because it is the axis of evil and devastation of mankind. However, the deliberate use of the term terrorism in recent decades was carefully selected, mainly, against a certain religion (Islam). The idea was then globally politicized by the Western world. Leaving that scholarly view in its own right, we disagree with the opinion raising terrorism as the devil’s just-born child of evil, when in reality Africans had been terrorized for centuries as slaves and human chattel. Hence the basis for the concept of this thesis: conceptualizing the episode of ‘terrorism’ and ‘terrorist’ from the broader perspective of its practice from the Middle Passage or the Atlantic Slave Trade. To portray that argument and broaden the scope of the debate over this critically sensitive subject, we divided the discussion into three sections: an examination of what constitutes terrorism and terrorist; history of terrorism and terrorists from an Africa perspective; and the ideological constraints within the subject of terrorism as practiced by the US and its Western allies.

In Pursuit of the Vikings - An anthropological and critical discourse analysis of imagined communities

by Sanna Fridh

Pretty much finished copy.

Globalization is a phenomenon that is hard to capture, and many scholars have written about how subject. Of importance... more Globalization is a phenomenon that is hard to capture, and many scholars have written about how subject. Of importance for this thesis is Arjun Appadurai’s theory of the imaginary and how he attempts to frame globalization through the imagined, creating a world where various aspects of culture are interconnected in both simple and complex ways through the various scapes. This thesis will approach globalization in a similar manner, and focus on some specific subgenres of heavy metal called Viking metal, folk metal, pagan metal and national socialist (black) metal (collectively henceforth referred to VPFNS metal) as a form of case study, by examining how global structures of common difference take upon different local forms.
By interviewing fans of the music, attending concerts as a form of participant observation and by analyzing lyrics using critical discourse analysis, it became obvious that a sense of belonging was created thanks to the imaginary, where rituals help to maintain the neighborhood. These rituals include but are not limited to clapping hands, cheering, bands touring over the world, holding stage banters, people participating in the mosh pit, doing the devil sign, singing along the lyrics, wearing similar clothing by adhering to a typical heavy metal aesthetic, reading lyrics, talking about music with friends, seeking out new music and so on and so forth. All these actions or lack thereof exemplify a person’s ability to possess cultural capital, which in turn marks whether one is “in” or “out”, thus helping to build specific social discourses that define the scene and sets it apart from other subcultures.
These discourses are in turn situated in larger social contexts and fans of VPFNS metal also position themselves in relation to these discourses in various ways. Examples include the prevalent homophobia, racism and sexism found within the scene, and how there appears to be a reproduction of an archaic and romantic form of masculinity that rejects the feminine as abject. This rejection of femininity can be understood as VPFNS metal being situated in a highly phallocentric global context, seeing how patriarchy is often the dominating discourse.
The focus on a cultural historical past can also be understood as the rejection of modernity itself, and all my respondents cite the importance of cultural history being one of the defining features of VPFNS metal. This play with the past and the creation of a hypermasculine discourse within the scene allows people to imagine something beyond themselves and create a sense of stability in a world that is considered to be ever-changing. To conclude, even though religion is slowly being forced into the private sphere and mass media may be considered to be the new opium for the masses, imagination is not dead. If anything, thanks to new technology people are capable of imagine in ways not previously possible by being united through the various scapes and VPFNS metal stands as a good example of the beauty of human imagination.

The Middle Ground Journal: Call for Submissions 3.1

by Hong-Ming Liang 梁弘明教授

The Middle Ground Journal Call for Reviewers 1.0

by Hong-Ming Liang 梁弘明教授

“At the Bar of Public Sentiment”: The Congo Free State Controversy, Atrocity Tales, and Human Rights History

by Derrick Nault

Paper presented at "Humanity and Humanitarianism in Crisis," the 7th Annual International Conference of the Asia Association for Global Studies (AAGS), 17-18 March 2012, International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan.

A key question in human rights history concerns when human rights originated. Common starting points include... more A key question in human rights history concerns when human rights originated. Common starting points include Greco-Roman civilization, the early eras of world religions, the French and American Revolutions, and the founding of the United Nations. Taking a very different approach, Moyn (2010) stresses that historians must distinguish between rights and human rights and determine when the former transitioned to the latter, suggesting that this shift took place in the 1970s. This paper agrees with Moyn’s idea that human rights require an international dimension that challenges state sovereignty from without, as opposed to rights and their restriction to the confines of the nation-state, but it questions his periodization and historians’ tendency to view human rights as emerging in self-contained Western settings. It suggests instead that human rights originated in the 1890s in response to a crisis of colonial rule in Africa. Specifically, it posits that changing viewpoints of Africa and Africans within the international community made possible by atrocity tales concerning King Leopold II of Belgium’s Congo Free State commenced our human rights age. Birthed by the colonial encounter between Europe and Africa, human rights therefore represent more than the offspring of events, ideas or personalities in ancient or contemporary Western contexts but form part of a shared global heritage.

Keynes: revolutionary or radical

by Brendan Sheehan

Three-quarters of a century ago the General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money by John Maynard Keynes was... more Three-quarters of a century ago the General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money by John Maynard Keynes was published. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Keynes’ most significant contributions to economics. The paper has three key objectives. The first is to demonstrate how Keynes departs from the classical orthodoxy – both theoretically and in policy terms. The paper carefully explains classical macro-economic theory – especially the special assumptions on which it relies – and the conservative policy agenda that it generates. The second objective is to introduce Keynes’ revolutionary approach to macroeconomics – formulated round the principle of effective demand - and the potentially radical policy proposals he recommends. The study of effective demand provides insights about how the actual economy operates, once the special classical assumptions are relaxed. In policy terms, Keynes addresses three urgent priorities: curing an economic depression, preventing war-time inflation and promoting post-war prosperity over the long-term. The final objective is to critically assess Keynes’ credentials as a theoretical revolutionary and policy radical. This assessment concludes that Keynes is a mild theoretical revolutionary, content to make good the deficiencies in classical orthodoxy. He neither moves beyond the paradigm of universal scarcity nor appreciates the ever-present threat of under-consumption. He is also a timid radical; his most rebellious instincts are restricted to proposing socialised investment and tight capital controls.

Keynes: revolutionary or radical

by Brendan Sheehan

Three-quarters of a century ago the General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money by John Maynard Keynes was... more Three-quarters of a century ago the General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money by John Maynard Keynes was published. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Keynes’ most significant contributions to economics. The paper has three key objectives. The first is to demonstrate how Keynes departs from the classical orthodoxy – both theoretically and in policy terms. The paper carefully explains classical macro-economic theory – especially the special assumptions on which it relies – and the conservative policy agenda that it generates. The second objective is to introduce Keynes’ revolutionary approach to macroeconomics – formulated round the principle of effective demand - and the potentially radical policy proposals he recommends. The study of effective demand provides insights about how the actual economy operates, once the special classical assumptions are relaxed. In policy terms, Keynes addresses three urgent priorities: curing an economic depression, preventing war-time inflation and promoting post-war prosperity over the long-term. The final objective is to critically assess Keynes’ credentials as a theoretical revolutionary and policy radical. This assessment concludes that Keynes is a mild theoretical revolutionary, content to make good the deficiencies in classical orthodoxy. He neither moves beyond the paradigm of universal scarcity nor appreciates the ever-present threat of under-consumption. He is also a timid radical; his most rebellious instincts are restricted to proposing socialised investment and tight capital controls.

The Brain Drain: Implications for Regional Economic Integration in the Expanding European Union.

by Matthew Jelavic

Jelavic, M. (2012). The brain drain: Implications for regional economic integration in the expanding European Union. In B. Chapalet, & M. Le Berre (Eds.), Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management. Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 99 – 111.

This paper provides a review and conceptual analysis of issues surrounding regional economic integration and the... more This paper provides a review and conceptual analysis of issues surrounding regional economic integration and the potential for inter-country brain drain within the expanding European Union (EU). As the EU expands eastward, it absorbs millions of highly skilled knowledge workers and opens opportunities for western European organisations to capitalise on this workforce. The migration of these skilled workers is a macro-exercise in eastern European knowledge management, and could have far-reaching implications at the regional, industry and organisational levels. This paper explores the context and implications of knowledge worker movement across fading borders.

The Principles behind a Free-Market City in Latin America - Guillermo Pineda

by Guillermo Pineda

Theory and History - Guillermo Pineda

by Guillermo Pineda

Cultures in Contact by Dirk Hoerder - Book Review - Guillermo Pineda

by Guillermo Pineda

Annual Conference of the Global Studies Association: Globalizing Cultures and Identities: Sport, Lifestyle, Heritage

by Association of Critical Heritage Studies, (ACHS)

Call for papers from the Association of Global Studies Conference. Conference theme Globalizing Cultures and... more Call for papers from the Association of Global Studies Conference. Conference theme Globalizing Cultures and Identities: Sport, Lifestyle, Heritage.

REMINDER: ABSTRACTS DUE 12 MARCH - CFP Song, Stage and Screen VII: The Musical’s Global Conquest

by Laura MacDonald

2-5 July 2012
Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG)
University of Groningen (The Netherlands)

The New York Times has frequently reported on the increasingly global musical theatre community. Broadway flops are... more The New York Times has frequently reported on the increasingly global musical theatre community. Broadway flops are finding success in Europe and China's economic power is stimulating a musical theatre industry aspiring to enter the global market. This conference invites papers investigating the range of global contexts within which stage and film musicals are created, circulated and consumed. While much growth has occurred in recent decades, musicals have been circulated transnationally for more than a century, and forms such as the American musical developed out of a range of cultural influences. Stage and screen musicals also make the global local, with, for example, Rodgers and Hammerstein choosing foreign settings for their stage musicals, culturally-specific narratives becoming global commodities (Les Misérables, Billy Elliot), and Bollywood films bringing exotic locations to domestic film audiences. Globalization is also a story musicals tell, as demonstrated by one of Broadway's newest musicals, Once, about an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant. With the explosion of media technologies offering ever more platforms and dimensions, musical theatre and film find new expression and distribution, shrinking the global stage onto our cellphones, laptops and Ipads.

Paper topics might include, but are not limited to:
-The American stage and screen musical abroad
-Studies of developing or established domestic musical theatre and film industries
-Intercultural engagement within musical narratives
-International collaborations by musical creators and producers
-American appropriation of foreign styles and narratives
-The global training and circulation of performers
-Domestic reception of foreign musical theatre and films
-The colonial and post-colonial musical
-The musical and national identity
-The global musical marketplace
-Technology's role in the globalization of the musical

Proposals for twenty-minute papers or other presentation formats should be submitted electronically for blind peer review by Monday 12 March 2012 to songstageandscreen7@gmail.com. Abstracts should be no more than 250 words and sent as a Word attachment. For queries, please contact conference organizer, Laura MacDonald, at l.e.macdonald@rug.nl

Song, Stage and Screen is the annual conference of the academic journal, Studies in Musical Theatre, which is published by Intellect Press. Previous Song, Stage and Screen conferences have been held at the University of Portsmouth, UK (2006), University of Leeds, UK (2007), the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (2008), University of Maryland, College Park (2009), University of Winchester, UK (2010) and University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance (2011). It is expected that a selection of papers from this conference will be invited for submission to the journal.

Visibility and invisibility of migrant faith in the city: diaspora religion and the politics of emplacement of Afro-Christian churches (forthcoming in: Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies)

by David GARBIN

forthcoming in Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (JEMS)

In today’s post-industrial city, migrants and ethnic minorities are forming, through their religious practices,... more In today’s post-industrial city, migrants and ethnic minorities are forming, through their religious practices, particular spaces of alterity, often at the ‘margin’ of the urban experience, for instance in converting anonymous warehouses into places of worship. This paper examines diverse facets of the religious spatiality of Afro-Christian diasporic churches - from local emplacement to more visible public parade of faith in the urban landscape. One of the aims is to explore to what extent particular spatial configurations and locations constitute ‘objective expression’ of social status and symbolic positionalities in the post-migration secular environment of the ‘host societies’. Without denying the impact of urban marginality, the paper shows how religious groups such as African Pentecostal and Prophetic churches are also engaged, in their own terms, in a transformative project of spatial appropriation, regeneration and re-enchantment of the urban landscape. The case study of the Congolese Kimbanguist church in London and Atlanta also demonstrates the need to examine the articulation of local, transnational and global practices and imaginaries to understand how religious and ethnic identities are renegotiated in newly ‘localised’ diasporic settings.


Keywords:
Diaspora religion - African churches - Urban space – Pentecostalism - Kimbanguism