Call for Paper: International Conference on "Borderlands and Frontiers: Navigating Conflict, Flux, and Opportunity"

Borderlands and frontiers have long been sites of division and connection. These dynamic spaces at the edges of established political entities represent a complex tapestry of cultures, histories, and socio-economic realities. This international conference proposes to delve into the multifaceted realities of borderlands and frontiers across the globe, especially the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.

Throughout history, these transitional zones have been crucial conduits for trade, cultural exchange, and human migration. Yet, they have also been flashpoints of conflict, shaped by territorial disputes, political instability, and the legacies of colonialism. Today, globalization presents both new challenges and opportunities for borderland communities. Increased cross-border flows of goods, services, and people interact with ongoing security issues, resource management, and environmental degradation.

The conference is committed to fostering a cross-disciplinary and geographically diverse dialogue. We aim to convene scholars, students, policymakers, practitioners, and community voices from across the globe, ensuring that all perspectives are represented and valued in our exploration of the evolving realities of borderlands and frontiers.

A further division of the areas of interest is the following:

• War, Genre, and Critique
• Religion, Difference, and Violence 
• Media, Social Media and Disinformation
• Law, Human Rights, and Gender Rights 
• Democratic Governance, Public Space, and Resistance
• Climate, Environment, Developing world
• Youth and Radicalization 
• Economic Transformation and Development 
• Globalization, Con?ict, and Local Economies 
• Migration, Diaspora, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons
• Borders, Mobility, Trans-national imaginaries 
• Periphery within a Periphery
• Politics of Identities 
• Changing Electoral/Political Trends 
• Border Management/ Border Control 
• State Hegemony and Resistance 
• Social Networking and Political Mobilization: Online & O?ine 
• Geo-Politics
• Memory and Politics
• Development Narratives: Donor Fatigue and the Question of Sustainability
• Peace Building in Afghanistan – Peace Agreements, Successes and Failures

Abstract Submission:

We request abstracts of 200 words or less. The submission of abstracts is open, and review will start on April 20, 2025. Please submit abstracts to the coordinator, Dr. Syed Sami Raza: samiraza@uop.edu.pk. The abstracts will be double-blind peer-reviewed. Rest assured, the committee will announce its decision on April 30, 2025. Detailed papers must be turned in to the coordinator (or to panel chairs) at least a week before the conference starts.

Registration & Logistics:

Registration is open. A small registration fee is expected. However, depending on the funds we generate, we can reimburse some or all of the registration fee. All participants will receive free a) local transport (from/to Peshawar, Islamabad, and Abbottabad to Baragali Campus), b) accommodation, and c) and meals. For more information, feel free to contact us.

Venue:

Baragali Summer Camp
University of Peshawar
Galyat, KP, Pakistan.

Conference Coordinators: