Chancellor Kent Syverud | Syracuse University
Chancellor Kent Syverud | Syracuse University
Over 100 scholars from around the world gathered at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs recently to share research and discuss issues related to citizenship during the Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS) Fall 2024 Conference.
The event was organized by the Central Asia and the Caucasus Initiative (CACI) in the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs. The conference was one of several events held by the Maxwell School leading up to its 100th anniversary in October 2024.
“We were delighted to host a truly global group of scholars and experts for the CESS fall conference as we continue to celebrate the Maxwell School’s centennial,” said Natalie Koch, professor of geography and the environment and director of CACI. “The conversations at this conference, and the ongoing research of the attendees, are vital to understanding this complex and rapidly changing part of the world.”
The theme of the conference, “Citizenship Unbound: Central Eurasia in a Changing World,” focused on past and present challenges of citizenship in Central Eurasia. Sessions covered subjects from regional economics and green investment to cultural identity and women’s rights. Presenters represented various disciplines, with many scholars traveling from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, among other locations. Additional cultural events included an exhibition of cultural artifacts from the region and a movie night featuring an Uzbek contemporary film.
Alumna Bhavna Davé ’96 Ph.D., a senior lecturer at the University of London, delivered the keynote address titled “Eurasia Unbound? Reflections on Empire, Geopolitics and Citizenship.” Koch facilitated a discussion following her remarks.
CESS is a North America-based organization focused on studying Central Eurasia's history, languages, cultures, people, and modern states. As an interdisciplinary institution promoting such studies, Maxwell was well-suited to host this conference.
The gathering was co-sponsored by several entities including Middle Eastern Studies Program; Departments of Political Science; Geography and Environment; Syracuse University Libraries; and Hendricks Chapel.