LASA5

10th -12th October 2016
iKAL @IKMAS
Centre for Latin American Studies
Institute of Malaysian and International Studies

LASA, first held in December 2008, convened scholars on Latin Americ from Mexico and Southeast
Asia. It was then biannually held in 2010 LASA 2 and 2012 LASA 3. LASA’s growth forges ahead with
the formation of research groups that integrate Asia and Latin America and the initiation of a
systematic capacity building of future scholars from both regions. Reciprocity from the Latin
American community in Malaysia and in Latin America continued to grow in a positive manner. This
leads to the convening of LASA 4 in 2014, held for the first time in Latin America – Mexico. The
theme of LASA 4 was Understanding Regionalism, Integration and Development. It aims to i) identify
emerging issues related to regionalism, integration and development ii) share experiences on
development issues in light of the Post 2015 Development Agenda and iii) strengthen existing ties,
and develop new partnership focusing on research between the two regions. This theme is extended
to be the basis for the pursuance of LASA 5 – “Regional Societal Integration in A Comparative
Perspective – Latin America and Asia”.

SUB-THEMES

1. Centering Community Development
Community Development takes into account the role by actors such as the state, community leaders, civil society, and youth in the pursuit to develop a community. In an effort to foreground community
development, one has to question the meaning of development for different communities. Issues
associated with community empowerment, preservation, advancement of indigenous knowledge and
indigenous peoples and migration can be considered for discussion.
2. Rethinking Political and Economic Stratagem 
Over the decades, nations in the two regions have evolved strategies and policies nationally and collectively at their respective regional level, to deal with challenges from a world that is fast globalizing. Issues of regionalism with particular reference to security, both traditional and non-traditional; approaches to conflict resolution; challenges and opportunities to both regions emanating from an evolving international order might be explored as potential research topics.
3. Exploring Sustainable Development Goals
The advancement in technology such as discovering alternative energy sources, increasing food
production and advocating good health care, building livable cities can be associated with sustainable
development for all. The pursuit of development must be balanced with the preservation of local heritage. Comparative studies on sustainable development practices can be beneficial in ensuring the rights of communities and individuals in fulfilling their potentials are within grasp.
4. Revisiting Historical Narratives, Cultures and Literary Traditions
One of the conduits to mutually engage the future between Latin America and Asia is through revisiting the historical narratives, cultures and literary traditions of these two continents. It defines ‘culture’; one’s understanding of another’s culture and what composites the different cultures. It should also bridge the knowledge on Latin America and the Asian literary traditions via exploration on collection of writings that draw on its reference, structure, mythology, focal

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