Introduction
The Agrarian South Network (ASN) will convene its 5th Annual Study Group in 2025, to be held from April to October, in ten (10) online sessions. The study group provides a space for collective reflection and learning among postgraduate students, researchers, academic faculty, and political activists and cadre. The theme this year will be on ‘Colonial Social Formations’, focusing on the colonial foundations of the transitions to capitalism in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, from a comparative perspective.
Objectives
The objective is to obtain historical perspective and conceptual rigour on the colonial foundations of capitalism as a mode of production. Special attention will be given to the similarities and differences among colonial experiences and mechanisms of imperialist exploitation. The method of historical materialism will guide this collective reflection with an interest in advancing contemporary thought and practice in the Marxist traditions of the Third World. Current debates within the Agrarian South Network and the journal Agrarian South will be discussed and assessed.
Study method
The method is that of collective study guided by the editorial team of Agrarian South. The basic readings will be provided in electronic form. The sessions will involve a brief presentation of readings by designated participants, followed by discussion. Every session will include a reflection on prior sessions to consolidate a cumulative learning process. The method does not include lectures. The language medium will be English. The sessions will take place on Zoom, every three weeks on Wednesdays. The time of the sessions will be UTC 13:00, with adjustments for daylight savings where applicable. The allocation of presentations will be defined in advance, on an equitable basis. The dates of the sessions may be subject to minor adjustments.
Organization and participation
The collaborating organizations of this ASN initiative include The Sam Moyo African Institute for Agrarian Studies (SMAIAS) in Harare, the Centre for Agrarian Research and Education for South (CARES) in New Delhi, and Coletivo Novo Bandung in São Paulo. Participation in the study group will be by invitation, recommendation, and a public call for expression of interest. There will be a limited number of 40 places. An even distribution among the three continents will be sought. Women are especially encouraged to participate.
Call for expression of interest
Interested persons may respond by 9 March via this online form: https://bit.ly/4gMmM93 🔗. The selection will be publicized by 14 March on our web and social media. The selection will not be communicated individually. The introductory session will take place on 19 March. Please consult our social media: lnk.bio/agrariansouth 🔗.
Public call
You can find below the public call for the ASN Study Group 2025 in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Arabic.
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