Humanities and Social Sciences

Anthropology Program

Pacific Transnationalism Conference

Call for Papers
Registration Form (Word - 39 KB)
Program
General Information
Pacific Migration and Transnationalism Bibliography

CALL FOR PAPERS:

Pacific transnationalism: tracing ties to the homelands

La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

November 20-22, 2006

The multiple ties between Pacific diasporic peoples and their homelands in the islands will be the focus of this international, multidisciplinary conference. For decades these ties have influenced the economic, socio-cultural and political dimensions of Islander communities at home and overseas. These ties are becoming increasingly complex, with the impact of new travel and communications technologies, globalisation, and moves towards regional integration.

The conference represents a unique opportunity for academics and community representatives to discuss a topic that has significant implications for the future viability of Pacific Island states.

A key outcome of the conference will be a publication on Pacific Transnationalism and a linked website, which will provide an ongoing hub for discussion and resources relevant to this topic.

Some of the questions that will be addressed at the conference include:

• How have Pacific transnational practices changed over time?
• What forms does Pacific transnationalism take?
  How do transnational ties impact on Pacific peoples living overseas?
• How do transnational ties affect the relationship between the host nation and island governments?
• To what extent are Pacific Islanders overseas involved in ‘long distance nationalism’?
• What transnational ties will be maintained by the second and subsequent generations overseas?
• How might the future of island nations be affected by changes in transnational ties?
• How might increased regional integration impact on Pacific transnationalism?
• How are ties across the diaspora impacting on ties with the home islands?
• How is Pacific transnationalism similar or different to transnationalism elsewhere?

Those interested in presenting a paper are invited to submit an abstract by August 31, 2006. Registration forms will be sent to all who express interest. See contact details below for further information and submission of abstracts:

Helen Lee, Conference Convenor
Sociology and Anthropology
School of Social Sciences
La Trobe University
Victoria 3086
Australia
Phone: +61 3 9479 1476
Email: h.lee@latrobe.edu.au

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