8th International Summer School (ISS): The Importance of Regional Connectivity in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Region with a Focus on Bilateral Dialogue and Challenges

Theme and Purpose:

Regional integration both through formal regional organizations and platforms, such as the European Union (EU) or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and through public engagement have played a crucial role for regional peace and development. Regional connectivity enhances economic cooperation and reduces insecurity. Furthermore, greater regional connectivity through formal organizations and through the establishment of infrastructural and economic ties creates greater mutual understanding around social and cultural issues. Thus, such a holistic approach toward regional connectivity and cooperation is understood to lead to greater security and stability as well as sustainable development. Considering their geographical locations and political histories, Pakistan and Afghanistan serve as the bridge between South and Central Asian states. As evidenced by the examples of greater regional connectivity in Europe and elsewhere, promoting regional connectivity in the South Asian-Central Asian Region has the potential to advance economic development and peace for the entire region.

It should, however, be understood that issues such as state-building, great power politics and historical strains among some regional states complicate the task of regional integration. It has to be added, however, that the recent conflict-ridden history of the region makes the interconnectivity all the more desirable, even essential to our common future.

In order to promote regional connectivity, the ISS intends to bring together young scholars from across the region with a view to understand the broader concept of regional connectivity in Pakistan-Afghanistan border region, with a focus on bilateral dialogue and challenges. Furthermore, the ISS is initiated with the belief that social linkage and mutual understanding of respective needs and interests are a prerequisite for effective regional integration. Such understanding can further lead to the development of strategies for the aforementioned holistic and sustainable development as well as durable peace in the region. The ISS intends to serve as a platform for facilitating a better understanding that will allow the creation of an environment fostering peace and cooperation in South and Central Asia.

Approach:

The approach of the program is interactive, and participants are expected to learn not only from the resource persons but also from each other by sharing their own experiences.

Along with the academic sessions, visits to government and non-government institutions, group meals, cultural nights and sightseeing ventures are part of the program.

Participants of the ISS will also participate actively in the 10th HSF-UoP International Conference titled ‘The Importance of Regional Connectivity in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Region’ that will take place immediately after the ISS (15-17 September 2021).

Eligibility & How to Apply:

• Students who are enrolled in the Bachelors or Master of Arts programs, can apply. Also open to M.Phil/PhD scholars, given the relevance of their work to the theme of the ISS.
• Interested Graduate and Undergraduate students from Pakistan, South and Central Asia should complete the online application form available at: https://forms.gle/gqUxsYSTM3G2VdqYA
• Short-listed candidates will be interviewed via Skype.

Registration and Support:

Participants will be provided transport, accommodation and food during the ISS. Selected participants are required to deposit a refundable registration fee of PKR 5,000/- (from Pakistan) and USD 50/- (from abroad), through wire transfer, upon acceptance of their application.

Deadline:

• Application Deadline: 25th July 2021

Selection interviews will be conducted by the project coordination team in the following weeks.

For Queries:

Dr. Aamer Raza, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar summerschool@uop.edu.pk OR aameraza@uop.edu.pk

Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in case the ISS cannot be conducted physically as planned, then it will be conducted online.