Academic Conference 2016 - International Conference on Inter-Regional Connectivity: South and Central Asia

The Department of Political Science/Centre of Excellence China Studies, GC University, Lahore, invites submission of research papers for “International Conference on Inter-Regional Connectivity: South Asia and Central Asia (ICIRCSACA)” to be held on November 9-10, 2016.
The conference encompasses within its purview new trends of regionalism and regionalization in connection with indigenous demands and realities of ‘Sisterly regions’ i.e. South Asia and Central Asia. The focus of this academic endeavor is to discuss regional dynamics beyond the conventional parameters of regional study and to contribute in the formulation of a theoretical as well as methodological framework that must be synchronized with the Asian milieu. In addition, the conference initiates an academic debate on critical discourse in the realm of regionalism and intends to fill the research gap by constructing a model of inter-regional connectivity across the traditional settings of the regions. The phenomenon of inter-regional connectivity in Asia is need of the hour and a way forward for South and Central Asian states, wherein they could get more through cooperative interplay on the dictum of mutual dependence by strengthening mobility.
The conference accentuates on geostrategic vitality of South Asia for Central Asia and vice versa; under the spectrum of geopolitics, geoeconomics and geoenergy. In this perspective, both regions are interdependent in varied fields. For instance, South Asia endows with pragmatic and cost-effective transit trade route to the Central Asian landlocked states. Whereas, Central Asian hydro-carbon reserves are strategic assets for energy stricken South Asia in order to pacify the latter’s unbridled energy demand. In addition, hydel-power generation of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan can also be a mean of connectivity and liaison between the both regions. Geographical proximity, historical affinities and socio-cultural propinquities are significant means to engulf the bridge of connectivity.
Historically, both the regions were once on the crossroads of Silk Route, a conduit for the transformation of cultures, ideas and commodities from north to south and east to west or vice versa. This route was the hub of world economic activity but wrath of imperial powers, Tsarist Russia and Great Britain, disconnected this strategic link and started a perennial geopolitical vendetta, the Great Game, to extend one’s influence on to others. In this game of imperial preponderance, Central Asia was ‘soft-underbelly’ of Russia; likewise, South Asia was ‘crown of jewel’ for Britain. Later, the rise of British imperial yoke from South Asia and the fall of Soviet ‘iron curtain’ from Central Asia paved the ways to reinvigorate inter-regional connectivity between the aforementioned regions which is the primary concern of this conference.
Post-Soviet Central Asia is once again ready to revive historical legacy, wherein focus is on economic linkages, strengthening of cultural ties, building of mobility, consolidation of political harmony and culmination of diplomatic bonds. Apart from this, it is equally imperative today to launch joint ventures to quell the rise of terrorism, militancy, and religious extremism for sustainable peace and development in ‘heart of Asia’. The new framework of inter-regional connectivity is a ‘win-win situation’ for the both regions. This academic initiative, therefore, has been taken up to highlight the vitality of inter-regional connectivity and to provide an opportunity to scholars to further explore avenues of mutual-cooperation.
The conference themes are covering multiple dimensions of inter-regional connectivity.
Theme-I:
Conceptualizing Inter-Regional Connectivity
Theme-II:
Geopolitics of Corridors: Building Economic and Political Linkages
Theme-III:
South Asia’s Energy Security vis-à-vis Central Asia
Theme-IV:
Peace and Security-centric Cooperation
Theme V:
South Asia-Central Asia Connectivity and the World
Kindly submit abstracts of 150-300 words clearly indicating objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions by August 05, 2016, which will be vet by the conference Scientific Committee that will intimate its decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of your paper for the presentation.
Deadline for the Submission of Abstracts: August 05, 2016
Intimation of Acceptance of Abstracts: August 15, 2016
Deadline for the submission of Final Papers: October 15, 2016
You are requested to submit your abstracts to the following addresses:
mmelahi-AT-gcu.edu.pk chairperson.polsc-AT-gcu.edu.pk