Call for Papers Workshop Aarhus

[Matthias Heymann]

Call for Papers: Workshop

 

"Historical Narratives of Transformation: Resources, Sustainability, and a Just Society"

 

 

Date: 13-14 August 2025
Location: Aarhus University, Denmark

Organizers: Matthias Heymann (Aarhus University, Denmark), Prakash Kumar (Penn State University, USA) and Shakila Yacob (Sunway University, Malaysia).

 

Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 January 2025

 

In an age characterized by intense competition for resources, pressing environmental challenges of the Anthropocene, and widening socio-economic disparities, the need for systemic reforms have become increasingly urgent. Historically informed research on global processes of resource extraction, distribution, and use can throw light on conceivable solutions by analyzing the paths not taken, the resistance of the underprivileged, and the role of states, philanthropies, and movements. This workshop invites scholars who develop case studies in different parts of the world that speak to these frictions in the realm of resource use.

 

This workshop aims, first, to bring together and facilitate conversation between scholars from the Global South and Global North to address (neo-)colonial legacies, power dynamics, dependencies, and development aspirations and their role in prefiguring different understandings of sustainability and justice. Two, it aims to encourage dialogue about the interconnectedness and entanglements of sustainable development, resource security and global justice, which is often overlooked in current historical case studies or in historicized social scientific studies. Three, it hopes to challenge the dominance of Global North viewpoints, which can obscure the voices and experiences of those from the Global South. Scholars focusing on commodities, sustainability, ecology, anticolonial movements, global exchange of knowledge and technology, global justice etc. would fit the cohort we are trying to build.

 

The workshop will prepare for the publication of a high-quality volume edited by the conference organizers. It serves as a platform for reviewing and discussing draft manuscripts to be submitted by June 30, 2025. Participants will be expected to read a select number of draft manuscripts from fellow contributors ahead of the workshop. Following the workshop, contributions will be revised and finalized by 31 December 2025.

 

We invite scholars and researchers from all regions and historical disciplines to submit abstracts that address topics such as the following and reflect on lessons learned from past experiences:

 

• Colonial Legacies and Resource Justice: Investigate how colonial histories have shaped contemporary resource distribution and continue to impact local communities.
• Case Studies of Transformation: Explore specific historical examples of communities, nations, or regions navigating the complexities of resource use and justice.
• Historical Narratives of Resource Use: Analyze how historical practices and policies have influenced perceptions, resource management, and sustainability efforts.
• Indigenous Perspectives: Provide historical insights into indigenous resource management practices and their relevance to current sustainability discussions.
• Technological and Environmental Change: Examine how technological ambitions and interventions have shaped environments and sustainability practices.
• Sustainability and Development: Analyze cases where social, environmental, technological, and economic development ambitions intersect and conflict.

 

We welcome abstracts of approximately 1,000 words that describe the historical topic or case, the sources you will use, the arguments or lessons you will draw, and the novelty of your paper. Please send your abstract and your CV to matthias...@css.au.dk. Limited travel funds are available for a select number of scholars from the Global South and early-career researchers. Please indicate in your submission if you need travel support. We look forward to your contributions.

 

This workshop is organized by the Tensions of Europe Research Group Technology, Environment and Resources and part of the networking and cooperation project “Towards sustainability of global resources, fair trade and global justice? Experiences, challenges and narratives of transformation” at Aarhus University.

 

 

 

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Matthias Heymann

Centre for Science Studies

Aarhus University

Ny Munkegade 118

8000 Aarhus

Denmark

Phone: +45 8715-5646