ICA JOVEN - 59º Congreso Internacional de Americanistas
The ICA JOVEN, an integral part of the 59th International Congress of Americanists, is set to convene in Medellín, Colombia. This event specifically targets young researchers, providing a dedicated forum for the presentation and discussion of their work on various aspects of the Americas. It serves as a crucial platform for emerging scholars to engage with established academics and contribute to ongoing dialogues concerning the region's complex history, cultures, and contemporary challenges.
Committees & topics
Topics
Antropología y Antropología Social en las Américas · Arqueología de las Américas · Arquitectura y Urbanismo en América Latina · Arte y Estética en las Américas · Ciencia Política y Estudios Políticos en América Latina · Ciencias Aplicadas, Salud y Estudios Ambientales · Comunicación, Tecnologías e Inteligencia Artificial · Cultura de Paz y Conflicto
Why it matters
This conference is significant for fostering the next generation of scholars focused on the Americas. By offering a specialized track for young researchers, it ensures that diverse perspectives and innovative methodologies are brought to the forefront of academic discourse. The emphasis on new voices is vital for the continued evolution of Americanist studies, encouraging fresh interpretations and interdisciplinary approaches to long-standing issues.
The gathering in Medellín, COL, further underscores the importance of regional engagement in academic research. Hosting such an event in a country deeply embedded in the historical and contemporary narratives of the Americas provides a unique contextual backdrop for discussions. This geographical placement facilitates a more nuanced understanding of the topics at hand, allowing for direct interaction with local realities and perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked in more distant academic settings. It also highlights the growing capacity of institutions within the region to host and lead international scholarly initiatives.
How to prepare
For participants, particularly those from a diplomatic or policy-making background, understanding the diverse academic perspectives presented at ICA JOVEN can be invaluable. The research shared by young scholars often identifies emerging trends, under-explored historical narratives, and novel social dynamics within the Americas. These insights can inform more effective policy development and diplomatic strategies, especially when dealing with issues that have deep cultural or historical roots.
Engaging with the research presented at this conference can also enhance a diplomat's ability to conduct effective stakeholder mapping, as discussed in the lesson on "what-is-stakeholder-mapping". By identifying the key academic voices and their areas of focus, diplomats can better understand the intellectual landscape surrounding various issues in the Americas. This understanding can be crucial for anticipating reactions to policy proposals and for building consensus among diverse groups. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of Americanist studies, often touching upon anthropology, history, sociology, and political science, provides a rich environment for developing a more holistic and dynamic analysis of regional challenges, aligning with the principles of "dynamic-analysis".
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
ColombiaAs the host nation, COL provides a critical geographical and cultural context for the conference, offering a direct lens into the complexities of the Americas.
Role in topic
COL's role is central as the host, providing the physical and cultural backdrop for discussions on the Americas. Its own history and contemporary challenges frequently serve as case studies or points of reference in Americanist scholarship, making it an ideal location for such a gathering.
MexicoMEX is a significant contributor to Americanist studies, with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage that often features prominently in academic research.
Role in topic
Scholars from MEX frequently contribute to Americanist studies, particularly in areas concerning pre-Columbian civilizations, colonial history, and contemporary social movements. Their perspectives are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the region.
BrazilBRA offers unique perspectives on the Americas, particularly regarding its vast Amazonian region, Afro-Brazilian culture, and its role in South American geopolitics.
Role in topic
Brazilian academics often bring distinct insights into topics such as environmental issues, indigenous rights, and the dynamics of race and identity in the Americas. Their research is vital for a holistic view of the continent.
United StatesThe USA plays a significant, albeit often complex, role in Americanist studies, particularly concerning its historical and contemporary interactions with Latin American nations.
Role in topic
Researchers from the USA contribute extensively to Americanist scholarship, often focusing on inter-American relations, migration, and the cultural impact of the USA on its southern neighbors. Their work provides a critical external perspective on regional dynamics.
ArgentinaARG contributes important academic work, especially in areas of political history, social movements, and cultural studies within the Southern Cone.
Role in topic
Argentine scholars frequently offer research on topics such as authoritarianism, human rights, and the intellectual history of Latin America, enriching the broader discourse on the Americas.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Antropología y Antropología Social en las Américas
Key players
- Mexico
Sede tradicional del indigenismo institucional y polo de la antropología latinoamericana.
- Brazil
Centro de la antropología de pueblos amazónicos y debates sobre demarcación de tierras indígenas.
PeruEje andino de estudios sobre pueblos originarios, memoria y posconflicto.
- United States
Origen de buena parte de la antropología americanista clásica y de financiamiento académico.
- Argentina
Tradición fuerte en antropología social, derechos humanos y estudios sobre migración.
- Colombia
Referente en etnografía del conflicto, multiculturalismo constitucional y afrodescendencia.
Arqueología de las Américas
Key players
- Mexico
Custodio del INAH y de los principales sitios mesoamericanos.
- Peru
Sede de civilizaciones andinas clave y de políticas activas de patrimonio.
GuatemalaCentro del mundo maya y de hallazgos LiDAR en Petén.
- Brazil
Escenario de debates sobre poblamiento temprano y arqueología amazónica.
ChileSitios como Monte Verde, clave en la discusión sobre el poblamiento americano.
- United States
Polo de investigación, financiación y debates sobre repatriación (NAGPRA).
Arquitectura y Urbanismo en América Latina
Key players
- Brazil
Cuna del modernismo arquitectónico y de experiencias urbanas como Curitiba.
- Mexico
Megalópolis paradigmática y tradición de vivienda social e Infonavit.
- Colombia
Referente de urbanismo social con Medellín y Bogotá.
- Chile
Polo de arquitectura contemporánea premiada (Aravena, Pritzker 2016).
- Argentina
Tradición fuerte en planificación urbana y debates sobre villas y derecho a la ciudad.
EcuadorSede de la Nueva Agenda Urbana (Hábitat III, Quito 2016).
Arte y Estética en las Américas
Key players
- Mexico
Tradición muralista y mercado cultural de referencia hispanoamericano.
- Brazil
Sede de la Bienal de São Paulo y del concretismo/neoconcretismo.
CubaPolo del arte conceptual latinoamericano y de la Bienal de La Habana.
- Argentina
Tradición vanguardista (Di Tella) y debates sobre arte y memoria.
- United States
Mercado, museos y diáspora latina con creciente peso curatorial (latinx art).
- Peru
Eje del barroco andino y del arte contemporáneo indígena.
Ciencia Política y Estudios Políticos en América Latina
Key players
- Brazil
Mayor democracia de la región, con polarización aguda post-2018.
- Mexico
Transición pluripartidista y debates sobre concentración de poder y reformas judiciales.
- Argentina
Laboratorio de ajuste, populismos y reconfiguración del sistema de partidos.
VenezuelaCaso paradigmático de erosión democrática y crisis migratoria regional.
- Chile
Proceso constituyente fallido y debates sobre representación post-estallido 2019.
El SalvadorModelo de excepción y bukelismo, referente del giro autoritario regional.
Ciencias Aplicadas, Salud y Estudios Ambientales
Key players
- Brazil
Custodio del 60% de la Amazonía y sede de la COP30.
- Colombia
País megadiverso con políticas activas de transición energética y paz ambiental.
- Mexico
Productor farmacéutico regional y laboratorio de salud pública universal.
- Peru
Frente crítico de minería ilegal y contaminación por mercurio en la Amazonía.
- United States
Principal financiador científico y emisor histórico de GEI del hemisferio.
Costa RicaModelo regional de conservación, pago por servicios ambientales y salud pública.
Comunicación, Tecnologías e Inteligencia Artificial
Key players
- Brazil
Pionero regional en regulación de plataformas (Marco Civil) y proyectos de ley de IA.
- Mexico
Mercado digital clave y debates sobre violencia digital y derechos comunicacionales.
- Chile
Primera política nacional de IA en América Latina (2021, actualizada).
- United States
Sede de las grandes tecnológicas que estructuran el ecosistema digital hemisférico.
UruguayReferente en gobierno digital, datos abiertos y conectividad universal.
- Argentina
Polo de talento en IA y desarrollo de modelos en español.
Cultura de Paz y Conflicto
Key players
- Colombia
Referente global de negociación de paz e implementación del Acuerdo de 2016.
- Mexico
Epicentro de violencia ligada al narcotráfico y desapariciones forzadas.
- Guatemala
Posconflicto con Acuerdos de Paz de 1996 y memoria del genocidio maya.
- El Salvador
Modelo de seguridad de mano dura bajo régimen de excepción, debatido regionalmente.
- Ecuador
Crisis de seguridad emergente con declaratoria de conflicto armado interno (2024).
HaitiCrisis de violencia armada y colapso institucional con misión multinacional de apoyo.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for ICA JOVEN - 59º Congreso Internacional de Americanistas.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
ColombiaCountry dossier
MexicoCountry dossier
BrazilCountry dossier
PeruCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
ArgentinaCountry dossier
GuatemalaCountry dossier
ChileCountry dossier
EcuadorCountry dossier
CubaCountry dossier
VenezuelaCountry dossier
El SalvadorCountry dossier
Costa RicaCountry dossier
UruguayCountry dossier
HaitiCountry dossier
Related conferences
By committee
- Antropología y Antropología Social en las Américas
- Arqueología de las Américas
- Arquitectura y Urbanismo en América Latina
- Arte y Estética en las Américas
- Ciencia Política y Estudios Políticos en América Latina
- Ciencias Aplicadas, Salud y Estudios Ambientales
- Comunicación, Tecnologías e Inteligencia Artificial
- Cultura de Paz y Conflicto