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APOLOGIES FOR CROSS-POSTING; PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO YOUR COLLEAGUES AND STUDENTS Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), University of Westminster, announces two conferences in May 2009 1. Alternative Futures for Tibet and the Tibetan Diaspora Date: Friday 22 May 2009, Fyvie Hall 2. China, India and the Himalayas Date: Saturday 23 May 2009, Board Room Both the venues are in 309 Regent Street, University of Westminster, London W1B 2UW (nearest underground station is Oxford Circus). At the University of Westminster’s DPIR, one of our commitment is to engage with critical analyses of the global change brought on by the predicted rise of China and India. We do so through our multidisciplinary research and a range of postgraduate courses in Politics and IR (including ‘International Relations and Global Change’; see http://www.wmin.ac.uk/sshl/page-3583). Since March 2008, Tibet has frequently been in the international news with contrasting images, explanations and representations. Rather than seeing the Tibet question in isolation, we seek to understand it within the wider context of politics and international relations of China, India and the West. Following on from two events (in March and April) with eminent Tibetologists from China discussing reforms, history, and development in Tibet, we announce the final two conferences in the series. 1. Alternative Futures for Tibet and the Tibetan Diaspora (Friday 22 May) What are the implications of the rise of China as a global power and the impasse between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama for the Tibetan diaspora and the Tibet movement in exile? Is there an alternative to the ‘Middle Way’ approach of the Dalai lama? What is the road ahead? Leading Tibetan intellectuals and scholars will discuss the contentious present and the possible futures for the diaspora. Confirmed speakers include: Dr Lobsang Sangay, Harvard Law School, 'Is the Dalai Lama a Democrat?' Tseten Wangchuk, University of Virginia, 'China Rising and the Challenge of Tibet' Tenzin Tethong, Stanford University, 'The Exile of the Tibetans and the Future of Tibet' Tshering Chonzom Bhutia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, 'In a Post-Dalai Lama Situation: Contending Perspectives and Approaches' Tsering Topgyal, London School of Economics, ‘Breaking the Insecurity Dilemma: Scenarios for the Future of the Sino-Tibetan Conflict’ Dr Tashi Rabgey, University of Virginia, ‘Remapping the Tibet Issue in a Shifting Global Context: Toward the Paradigm of Governance’ Thupten Samphel, Information Secretary in Tibetan Government-in-Exile, ‘The Middle Way Approach and the Tibet Issue’ Thubten Samdup, Acting Personal Representative of the Dalai Lama for Northern Europe, Title TBC Keynote: Professor Tsering Shakya, University of British Columbia The conference registration will start at 0900 2. China, India and the Himalayas (Saturday 23 May) What is the significance of Tibet for China-India relations? Are the two countries going to act as strategic competitors or will their rise bring closer cooperation, peace and stability to the Himalayan region? Are the transformations in the smaller Himalayan states of Nepal and Bhutan related to Sino-India geopolitics or do they have their own internal drivers of change? This one day conference will bring together experts on China, India, Bhutan and Nepal discussing the main issues affecting the politics and international relations in the Himalayan region. Confirmed Speakers include: Professor Ma Jiali, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, Beijing, ‘Is Competitive Partnership between China and India Viable?’ Professor Brahma Chellaney, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, on India’s China Policy Dr Nitasha Kaul, University of Westminster, on democracy and change in Bhutan Professor David Gellner, University of Oxford, on democracy and Nepal Fiona McConnell, University of London, on democracy in Tibetan Diaspora The conference registration will start at 0930 The events are open to the public but RSVP is required for all. Seating is limited and so please RSVP as soon as possible to [log in to unmask] with your full name, affiliation (if you are a member of public with no academic affiliation, state ‘Independent’), and contact email. Please clearly specify which day(s) you want to attend (22 May, 23 May or Both). Organiser: Dr Dibyesh Anand, Department of Politics and IR, [log in to unmask] (media and other specific enquiries should be directed to Dibyesh while RSVP should be sent to Suzy) *Please check www.wmin.ac.uk/dpir for final programme after 15 May. -- The University of Westminster is a charity and a company limited by guarantee. Registration number: 977818 England. Registered Office: 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2UW, UK.