IAG Call for Papers

Rethinking resources: alternative perspectives on resource studies

Matthew Allen and Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt of the Resource Management in Asia-Pacific Program (RMAP) at the Australian National University call for papers from scholars wishing to participate in a session at the 2008 Institute of Australian Geographers Annual Conference (Hobart, 30 June to 2 July) with the theme ‘Rethinking resources: alternative perspectives on resources studies’.

This theme arises in response to the ascendancy and widespread acceptance of a number of grand theories that seek to explain the relationships between natural resource abundance, economic development and conflict. Theories surrounding terms such as ‘resource curse’ and ‘resource conflict’ pertain to apply to all Third World and Indigenous circumstances and contexts thereby excluding alternative explanations that seek to locate the exploitation and management of natural resources within particular social, historical and economic contexts, as well as within the broader global political economy. Scholars are increasingly challenging these sweeping econometric-based theories with recourse to detailed country, regional and/or sectoral studies.

Papers are invited which interrogate the applicability of the resource curse and resource conflict literature to particular countries or regions, or to particular resources. Possible cross-cutting topics could include community-based resource management, gender and natural resource management, and identity and natural resource conflict. Particular resource sectors could include mining, water and forestry. Papers which seek to question the mainstream theories from emerging perspectives in geography, such as political ecology and environmental and social justice, are particularly encouraged. Participants do not need to restrict themselves to Third World contexts and papers that address Indigenous and First People contexts are welcomed.

It is envisaged that the session could lead to an edited publication in the Asia-Pacific Environment Monograph Series (under ANU E Press).

Please send abstracts and contact details to matthew.allen@anu.edu.au or kuntala.lahiri-dutt@anu.edu.au  by 14 March 2008.