Web Site:http://www.islanddynamics.org/index.html
This conference explores the cultural, political, economic, and environmental effects of decolonization processes, with emphasis on island and Arctic societies. With small populations and limited habitable land areas, decolonization influences Arctic and island communities in special ways. Colonialism introduced global economics, politics, and culture to many societies. Once the colonial power is expelled or seeks to withdraw, indigenous peoples often face limitations to sovereignty, human resources, and economic capacity that make it difficult to overcome the challenges associated with geographic isolation and peripherality.
How do indigenous societies make the cultural transition away from colonial domination? What political comprises are made to balance desires for self-determination and economic vitality? Can such societies compete in the global economy without losing their identity? How can they manage global environmental problems? Can indigenous societies and former colonial powers build mutually beneficial relationships? How do ethnic groups brought together by colonialism cope with decolonization? This conference explores these and other questions from the perspectives of island studies, political science, anthropology, economics, postcolonialism, and other academic traditions. Presenters will include representatives from academia, government, and NGOs.
