05/10/2023
Last week, the Centro Latinoamericano Suizo (CLS-HSG) had the privilege of hosting sixteen inter-national scholars for a three-day academic exchange examining the social life of extortion across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa. This scholarly gathering was part of a five-year European Re-search Council funded project led by University College London (UCL).
🌍 Our collective journey delved deep into the anthropologies of extortion in Latin America, transcending borders and disciplines. Research papers were focused on various countries, including those in Latin America such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Venezuela, as well as other nations like China, Bangladesh, France, Germany, India, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, and the United Kingdom (UK).
🌟Through numerous meetings, workshops, and conferences, we illuminated the intricate web of criminal political entanglements and the blurred boundaries between legitimate and illicit economies in the region. We went beyond the surface, exploring the enduring impact of extortion on social and moral relations. Extortion, often described as 'protection rackets,' emerged as a vital social dynamic and a source of governance worldwide.
🏔️ After three days of engaging discussions, we took a well-deserved break to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps at Seealpsee. Surrounded by majestic mountain landscapes, we hiked, shared knowledge and stories, and reveled in the tranquility of this picturesque destination.
🙏 We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the scholars, participants, and supporters who played pivotal roles in making this academic exchange a resounding success. Special thanks go to Professor Lucia Michelutti and her dedicated team at the UCL for making this academic exchange at HSG possible. We also express our appreciation to Professor Desmond Arias of City University of New York (CUNY) for joining us during these insightful days.
For more information visit our website: https://cls.unisg.ch/de/anlaesse/anlaesse-des-cls-an-der-hsg/29092023-anthropologies-of-extortion-in-latin-america/
Stay tuned for more profound insights and groundbreaking research in the realm of Latin American anthropology.
Desmond Arias Consulado General del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia en Suiza-Ginebra Miranda Sheild Johansson Zora Hauser