Thematic Approach

GIRES, the Global Institute for Research Education & Scholarship and the Center for Latin American Political Studies (CLAPS) dedicated to interdisciplinarity aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of migration and transnationalism in the Latin American context by delving into migration patterns, diaspora communities, and the formation of transnational identities, we seek to shed light on the complex dynamics and impacts of migration in the region.

The conference wishes to explore the Historical and Contemporary Migration Patterns by focusing on the historical migration trends in Latin America, including factors driving migration within and across borders. It will also delve into contemporary migration patterns, such as labor migration, forced displacement, and mixed migration flows, and analyze their social, economic, and political implications. Another theme that we hope to cover is the Diaspora Communities and the Transnational Networks analyzing the experiences and dynamics of diaspora communities originating from Latin America. It will examine how diaspora communities maintain connections with their home countries, contribute to development, preserve cultural heritage, and navigate transnational spaces. Special attention will be given to the role of technology and communication networks in fostering transnational connections. In addition, we hope to research the Social, Economic, and Political Impacts by working on the multifaceted impacts of migration on both origin and host societies along with the analysis of the economic contributions of migrants, their role in shaping labor markets, and the social and cultural changes resulting from migration. Additionally, we will hopefully address policy frameworks and practices that facilitate the integration and well-being of migrants and diaspora communities. Another theme we wish to explore are the Transnational Identities and Cultural Transformations: This theme will investigate the formation and negotiation of transnational identities among Latin American migrants. It will explore how migrants navigate multiple cultural contexts, adapt to new environments while maintaining ties with their home countries, and engage in cultural production, language preservation, and identity reconfiguration. Last but not least, we hope to explore the Gender Perspectives in Migration in Latin America, including the specific challenges faced by migrant women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals and possibly address issues of gender inequality, labor exploitation, and access to rights and services, while also highlighting the agency and resilience of migrant populations.

We envision an inclusive and interactive event that fosters dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities among participants. We encourage contributions from scholars, researchers, practitioners, artists, and activists working in the fields of political studies, historical studies, environmental studies, philosophy, cultural studies, social sciences, humanities, and related disciplines.

Topics for presentations and discussions may include, but are not limited to:

Proposed Topics

-Internal and International Migration Patterns in Latin America: Trends, Drivers, and Impacts
-Forced Displacement and Refugees in Latin America: Challenges and Responses
-Labor Migration: Remittances, Economic Impacts, and Labor Market Dynamics
-Transnational Families and Social Remittances: The Impact of Migration on Family Structures and Social Networks
-Diaspora Engagement: Contributions, Transnational Activism, and Development Initiatives
-Cultural and Artistic Expressions of Transnationalism: Literature, Music, Visual Arts, and Film
-Transnational Political Engagement: Diaspora Influence on Politics, Governance, and Elections
-Gender and Migration: Women’s Experiences, Empowerment, and Challenges
-Youth, Education, and Migration: Access to Education, Youth Integration, and Transnational Educational Experiences
-Health and Well-being of Migrants: Healthcare Access, Mental Health, and Social Determinants
-Integration Policies and Practices: Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
-Climate Change and Migration: Environmental Displacement and Adaptation Strategies
-Intersectionality of Migration: Ethnicity, Race, Class, and Gender in Migration Experiences
-Human Rights, Migration, and Transnationalism: Protection, Advocacy, and Legal Frameworks
-Digital Technologies, Communication, and Transnational Connections: Social Media, Virtual Communities, and Information Flows

Proposed Formats (Lingua franca: English and Spanish)
-Individual papers (GIRES will included it in a panel)
-Panels (up to 4 presentations-chaired by one of the presenters or appointed by GIRES)
-Roundtable presentations (chaired by one of the presenters or appointed by GIRES)
-Poster presentations
-Student presentations (one paper presented by up to 3 young scholars)
-Keynote speech (depending on the time availability)
-Pre-recorder presentation (s) (Asynchronous Platform)
-Pre-recorder presentation (s) (Synchronous-live- Sessions: live participation of presenter (s) during the Q&A sessions)

Publication Opportunity 
The Organizing Committee and GIRES Press will publish the most powerful and dynamic presentations of the conference and include them
in a collective volume in the form of short articles and/or long essays. For more information please contact us

Live Sessions Recording
All participants have the option to have their presentations recorded (during live sessions) in HD quality. The recordings will be uploaded to GIRES media for unlimited access and dissemination.

Asynchronous Options
All participants have the option to have their presentations (video/audio/text) uploaded to our Virtual Platform. All  registered participants will have access to the material for 5 days.

Our proposed topics & formats are not restrictive and we invite additional germane ideas
Due to the restrictions of Corona Crisis our event (for the time being) will take place VIRTUALLY