Call for Papers
International Symposium, July 28-30, 2004
The Changing Mekong: Pluralistic Societies under Siege
The Greater Mekong Sub-Region, enveloping parts of Cambodia, southern China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, is an ethnically and socially diverse area that is rich in resources, unspoiled natural beauty, and traditional wisdom. Recently identified as a new frontier of economic growth by governmental agencies and investors, the region is targeted for industrialization, infrastructure construction, tourism, and trade.
In the light of these developments and their impact on local peoples, values and ecosystems, Khon Kaen University's Center for Research on Plurality in the Mekong Region (CERP) is organizing a symposium to discuss the present and future well-being of this region. Through a series of panels on historical and cultural contexts and current trends, participants will examine ways in which pluralistic co-existing ways of life are being impacted by global and market-driven views of the region. Following the panels, presenters and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a plenary session to discuss the Mekong Region in the next decade and offer their suggestions regarding its future.
Organized by:
The Center for Research on Plurality in the Mekong Region (CERP),
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University
Co-organizer:
Center for Southeast Asian Studies & Center for Chinese
Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
VENUE: Sofitel Raja Orchid Hotel, Khon Kaen, Thailand
TOPICS: Papers should relate to the impact of globalization and development on one of the following: localism (local wisdom, identity, languages, religious practice); issues of human security; economic well-being (poverty; changing means of livelihood); urbanization; trans-national migration; human trafficking; gender roles and empowerment/disempowerment; trans-boundary issues; ecological and cultural conservation; ethnic identity and entitlement.
Paper length: Presenters will be allowed 20 minutes for their oral
presentations and should plan their papers accordingly.
Papers should be sent by e-mail to one of the following addresses for
consideration:
plurality@kku.ac.th
yaoapi@kku.ac.th
bbrereton@yahoo.com
DEADLINES:
Abstracts: May 20, 2004
Full Paper: June 10, 2004
Registration fee for participants not presenting papers (Travel and
accommodations excluded):
Participants from the Mekong Region
Students US$ 25
Non-students US$ 35
International Participants US$ 75
Tentative Schedule:
July 27, 2004
Arrival of participants. Check-in at the hotel
July 28, 2004
8.00 - 9.00 Registration
9.00 - 9.15 Symposium Opening
9.15 - 10.15 Keynote speech
10.15 - 10.30 Break
10.30 - 12.15 Panel 1
12.15 - 13.15 Lunch
13.15 - 15.15 Panel 2
15.15 - 17.00 Guest Speaker (to be identified)
18.30 - 22.00 Evening Reception
July 29, 2004
9.00 - 10.15 Guest Speaker (to be identified)
10.15 - 10.30 Break
10.30 - 12.15 Panel 3
12.15 - 13.15 Lunch
13.15 - 15.15 Panel 4
15.15 - 17.00 Plenary Discussion
The Mekong Region in the Next Decade
July 30, 2004: Excursion to Vientiane (optional)
Contacts:
Dr. Yaowalak Apichatvullop
Director, Center for Research on Plurality in the Mekong Region
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen 40002, THAILAND
Tel: 66-43-202861
Fax: 66-43-203050
e-mail: plurality@kku.ac.th
yaoapi@kku.ac.th