When “Ordinary People” Join In: Understanding Moments of Mass Mobilization in Argentina, Egypt, and Ukraine

by Olga Onuch, University of Oxford

This presentation examines the differences between moments of mass-mobilization and the long term process of activist mobilization that precedes them. Ukraine in 2004, Egypt in 2011, and Argentina in 2001 represent cases where a history of activist coordination was the basis for, and key instrument in, the mobilization of “ordinary” people. The presenter will argue against the predominant focus on exogenous and economic factors and instead emphasize local actors and political variables in explaining the presence or absence of mass-mobilization.

Olga Onuch received her DPhil in Comparative Politics from the University of Oxford in 2011. She is currently the Newton Prize Fellow in Comparative Politics (awarded by the Royal Society & British Academy) at the School of Interdisciplinary and Area Studies and is a Non-Stipendiary Fellow at Nuffield College, both  at the University of Oxford. She is currently working on a book manuscript entitled Revolutionary Moments and Movements: Understanding Mass-mobilization in Ukraine (2004) and Argentina (2001), which is anticipated to be published in 2014.

When: Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: Voesar Conference Room, 1957 E Street NW, Suite 412
George Washington University
Washington, DC 20052

Please RSVP at http://go.gwu.edu/Onuch

___________________________
A Symposium Organized by
The International Development Studies Program at the GWU Elliott School of International Affairs, the Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies, and
The American Islamic Congress’ Project Nur

Thursday December 13, 2012, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Lindner Commons, 1957 E St. NW, Room 602
Elliott School of International Affairs

This day-long symposium will examine the increasing influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on development in Asia today in the context of its impact on indigenous peoples in China’s Asian borderlands.  The symposium, therefore, explores the role of two increasingly important players in the new geopolitics of development: rising global powers (represented by the PRC) and non-state actors (represented by indigenous peoples’ groups).  In doing so, it raises questions about the contested nature of international development today, both globally and more specifically in Asia.  The symposium will consist of three panels, focusing on South Asia (9:00-11:00), Central Asia (11:15-1:15), and South-East Asia (2:15-3:15) respectively.  Speakers, including both scholars and practitioners, will examine case studies of China’s interaction with indigenous peoples in the context of Asia’s development, highlighting both positive and negative ramifications, and provide recommendations for how Chinese-led development in Asia can better account for the particular needs of indigenous peoples, including their concerns about preserving cultural and religious traditions, the use of native lands, and their rights to self-determination.

To RSVP, please visit:  http://chinaborderlands.eventbrite.com
Lunch will be provided

President Jim Yong Kim and Chief Economist Kaushik Basu discuss “Localizing Development: Does Participation Work?” on Thur. Nov.15 at 9:45am in in MC13-121 Auditorium

Please use the Visitors Center to pick-up your building pass. Bring your ID.
The Visitors Center is located on the the corner of the building on 18th and H street.

RSVP to infoshopevents@worldbank.org or click here.
Continue reading ““Localizing Development: Does Participation Work?”” →

We would like to invite you and your students to the 18^th Inuit Studies Conference, to be hosted this October 24^th-28^th by the Arctic Studies Center of the Smithsonian Institution.  The conference brings together researchers, Inuit, northern specialists, and agency representatives to discuss a broad range of topics affecting Inuit life in Alaska, Arctic Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka, Russia.  With a 160-year record of northern research and collections and a strong emphasis on exhibits, publications, and public education, the Smithsonian Institution is proud to host this international gathering.  This is the first Inuit Studies Conference to be hosted in the contiguous United States.

We’re looking for a number of volunteers to help during the conference and would greatly appreciate your help in distributing this information to your students and encouraging student volunteers.  I’ve attached our volunteer flyer, so please feel free to send it out as you see fit.  This is a great opportunity for students to be involved in the conference, learn about the Arctic, and meet Inuit from across the circumpolar north as well as top researchers in the field.  Volunteers at the conference who work two shifts will be able to attend the entire conference for free, and those who work a third shift will also be invited to the Opening Reception for free.  Light refreshments will be available for all volunteers throughout the day.

In addition, Inuit Studies Conference committee members are available over the next few weeks to speak at nearby universities about their research in various areas, so please let me know if you would be interested in hosting one of them.

Conference themes include

• Heritage Museums, and the North
• Globalization: An Arctic Story
• Power, Governance and Politics in the North
• The ‘New’ Arctic: Social, Cultural and Climate Change
• Inuit Education and Health
• Inuit Languages and Literature
• Inuit Art, Film and Media: Visual Anthropology of the North
• Perceptions of the Past, A More Inclusive Archaeology
• We will also have a film festival and native art exhibitions and performances.

Best Wishes,

Nikki Mason
Volunteer Coordinator
Inuit Studies Conference 2012
Intern, Arctic Studies Center, NMNH

Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 6:30PM

Jack Morton Auditorium, 805 21st Street, NW,GW Washington, DC

Into the Niger Delta is a powerful new documentary that chronicles the journey of seven Americans as they travel to Nigeria to witness firsthand the catastrophic oil spills that have been occurring in the Niger Delta for the past 50 years. This incredibly moving documentary touches on themes such as social justice, corporate responsibility, international development, civic agency and the consequences of environmental degradation. It exposes the viewer to a pressing social issue that rarely gets the attention it deserves and begins a conversation about how to help make a positive change.

Following the film, there will be a Q&A with acclaimed African Director, Jeta Amata and several participants in the documentary

To RSVP, click here.