In the age of the Anthropocene, the very essence of how we inhabit our world is under scrutiny.

This symposium fostered a critical examination of dwelling and place, considering the evolving geo-social realities of our time.

On April 25-26, 2024, scholars from across the U.S. with expertise in multiple academic disciplines and deep knowledge of several countries gathered at Duke University to explore vital questions:

• How do anthropogenic activities both jeopardize and constitute the very grounds of our coexistence?
• How do people navigate complex landscapes amidst global realities of unsettling disparities, contested sovereignties, and deteriorating environments?

To address these questions, we convened geographers, anthropologists, and historians with expertise across China, India, Japan, Tibet, Korea, and the US. The presentations spotlit the memories and experiences of those impacted by radioactive contamination, infrastructural expansion, environmental migration, and militarized toxicity.

Through interdisciplinary dialogue, the symposium tapped into the transformative potential of redescribing landscapes as dwelling places—a pivotal move towards creating alternative conceptual frameworks, generating political affects, and rediscovering overlooked historical narratives.

Together, this event aimed to illuminate a world in flux, where “human” actions are profoundly reshaping the terrains of what it means to be human as it intersects with the planetary changes.

To learn more about the topics that were discussed, read a reflection on the event >>

Questions? Please contact Dr. Jieun Cho.