Call for Papers: Laboratories of Change

Ninth Biennial Conference of the International Association of Inter-American Studies (IAS)

Laboratories of Change: The Americas between Progress and Backlash

June 2 – 4, 2027
Bielefeld University, Germany

The conference places particular emphasis on the inter-American, transregional, and global dimensions of these dynamics. It invites critical reflection on the roles of colonialism and imperialism, capitalism and extractivism, migration and exile, cultural exchange, and transnational networks. Of equal importance are the agency, alliances, and internal tensions of counter-hegemonic movements and historically marginalized groups, including Indigenous and Afro-diasporic communities, feminist and LGBTQIA+ movements, labor movements, and ecological, antiracist, and decolonial initiatives. The conference also places particular emphasis on works and practices of cultural production—including literature, film, visual art, music, performance, and popular culture—as sites in which transformation and reaction are imagined, negotiated, contested, and remembered.

The conference languages are English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Proposals and presentations may be delivered in any of these languages.

Please submit proposals by December 1 to info@interamericanstudies.net

more info here

Tuesday, 03.11.2026

Documentary Screening and Discussion

Screening of "The sky over the field, and the river, and the city" with follow-up discussion by Nikola Koruga, Bojana Milosavljević, Gazela Pudar Draško, Aleksandra Kuzmanović, Florian Bieber, and Marko Kmezić, moderated by Brigitte Kukovetz.

more info here

5.00-6.30 PM
Sterngasse 12, 8010 Graz

Wednesday, 11.11.2026

C.IAS Spotlight Talk #3

The 2026 Brazilian Elections

Speakers: Daniela Brasil, Ricardo Pagliuso Regatieri, Hana Gouveia, Xavier Plassat

Brazil's presidential elections have once again exposed the deep political divisions running through the country. After Flávio Bolsonaro came out ahead in the first round on 4 October, Lula secured a narrow victory in the run-off on 25 October. The result has been a relieve to many social movements, Indigenous organisations and defenders of the environment, for whom the presidency of Flavio Bolsonaro presidency would have posed a serious threat …

more info here

5.00 PM
C.IAS (Schubertstraße 21, 8010 Graz)

Thursday, 26.11.2026

Book Presentation & Discussion

Dirk Stermann: Die Republik der Irren

As part of the PhD Event Series, author Dirk Stermann will present his novel Die Republik der Irren. Džana Hodžić, Josef Mühlbauer und Hrvoje Paić will then engage in a discussion with the author and his works.

Please register for the event via this link.

more info here

6.00-7.30 PM
SZ 15.21 (RESOWI, Universitätsstraße 15, Section A, 2nd floor, 8010 Graz)

Friday, 11.12.2026

C.IAS Open House X-Mas Party

As is C.IAS tradition, we are hosting an open house Christmas party! Mark Friday, December 11 in your calenders and join the fun. Bring your colleagues, friends, and family - everyone is welcome!

12.00-7.00 PM
C.IAS (Schubertstraße 21, 8010 Graz)

Inter.Reading Book Club

Attention book worms! The Inter.reading Book Club is meeting regularly again on Wednesdays from 5.00 PM to 6.00 PM at the Center for Inter-American Studies (Schubertstraße 21/ground floor, 8010 Graz). Join us for free snacks and drinks while discussing our chosen book(s).

For further information, contact artiola.kajtazi@uni-graz.at

Upcoming meetings:
November 4
November 18 *new book*
December 2
December 16
January 13

The Inter.reading Book Club is a cooperation between the Austro-American Society for Styria (ÖAG) and the Center for Inter-American Studies (C.IAS).