"Democracy, Youth Resistance, and Activism in Southeast and East Asia"
Conference, New York City, Pace University
Date: Nov. 10, 2023
Place: Pace University, New York, NY
Pace University and the New York Southeast Asia Network (NYSEAN) are looking for people to participate in a conference the following questions: How is the political landscape in Asia changing based on demands and activities from groups in society? While international observers have lamented the global retreat of democratic governance and civic institutions, Asia stands out as a site of considerable political activism. One notable example is the resilience of the Milk Tea Alliance, a social media human rights platform that netizens from Thailand, Myanmar, Hong Kong and Taiwan which was launched to mobilize grassroots support against autocratic regimes since the widespread protests in 2019, and this alliance has emerged as a youth-led prodemocracy alternative to anti-democratic forces. 2023-24 will also bring elections and other significant developments across Southeast and East Asia and this conference will provide a space to investigate the changing political landscape.
This conference seeks scholars and activists working on these themes in various forms; from student protests to religious conservatism; from organized political parties to spontaneous forms of resistance; from underground struggle to exiled lobbying. How can we understand the diversity of actors, groups, and voices? And, how do these acts fit within the larger realm of political contestation? How are groups on the ground and in exile (from Myanmar, Thailand, and Hong Kong) trying to push back against draconian oppression, and how are groups trying to carve out spaces for reform and rights advocacy?
This conference will bring together a wide range of scholars, students, and practitioners such as artists and activists who are interested in these themes in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.
The conference proceedings may result in a published volume with Pace University Press.
If you are interested in participating, please send a 250-500 word abstract or description of your work, along with a brief bio to both Prof. Amy Freedman (afreedman@pace.edu) and Prof. Joseph Lee (jlee@pace.edu). Priority will be given to those who submit proposals by May 15th. We have limited funds which may be used to help defray travel costs. Graduate students and those working at underfunded institutions will be prioritized for support. Please indicate in your biography if you are seeking travel support to participate in the conference.
afreedman@pace.edu
Prof. Amy Freedman
