The events of the past year in Israel/Palestine have introduced settler colonialism to a mainstream audience, with dozens of articles published in newspapers and magazines challenging the legitimacy of the framework in general and in this specific case. The session will explore the enduring legacy and pervasiveness of settler narratives and their material consequences, primarily in relation to Israel/Palestine, while also drawing parallels to other settler colonial contexts. The panelists will discuss the origins, purposes, and evolution of Zionist settler colonial narratives, as well as countervalent Palestinian narratives, which together shed light on enduring social and power dynamics. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on a topic with crucial relevance for events unfolding today.

This session explores the intersections of climate change, globalized extractive industries, and land dispossession. Speakers will first give a five-minute introduction to their research or conceptualizations of climate justice as it relates to the (dis)empowerment of marginalized communities through narratives, framing, and ultimately, action. The session will consider how researchers and practitioners can contribute positively to climate justice as part of a decolonial future and it will examine how colonial narratives shape the climate crisis and its impacts on ecosystems and labor conditions. The session will highlight the persistence of imperial narratives in academic and environmental justice spaces.

Explore the interplay between colonialism and migration in this panel discussion. Experts will highlight how colonial dynamics shape national and international migration policies and their unequal impact on human mobility. Scholars from Fletcher and beyond will examine contemporary migration policies and the realities of 21st-century human movement. The panel will discuss national borders as sites of contestation and injustice, and explore possibilities for challenging their primacy.

Join us for a session on “Imperialism and Racial Capitalism” as part of our “Building the Narrative” conference theme. Experts will present their research on how empires’ extractive models influence racial capitalism in the past and present. Discussions will highlight the enduring legacies of racism, capitalism, and imperialism, and how structures of domination adapt over time. The session includes presentations, a moderated discussion, and a Q&A with the audience.

Join Professors Bridget Conley and Chidi Odinkalu for a discussion moderated by Professor Alnoor Ebrahim, titled “The Fletcher School and Decolonization 101.” This session will explore The Fletcher School’s colonial legacy, its historical and contemporary roles in decolonization, examining how academic institutions can dismantle colonial legacies and promote equitable global governance. The panel will delve into the colonial past’s impact on modern educational institutions and explore initiatives towards decolonization, addressing real challenges and future directions.

This workshop explores common tropes and colonial historiography. Participants will learn to recognize and utilize critical approaches to traditional colonial narratives, reorienting them to include indigenous histories. Through examples and methods, attendees will critically assess these narratives and apply their learning to real-world examples. This session is ideal for students, academics, and anyone interested in decolonizing historical narratives.

This session will explore the complexities of development and humanitarian aid when it comes to narratives of resilience in refugee spaces. Fletcher Professor of International Politics and Conflict Tamirace Fakhoury will present on her research before sitting down for a conversation with Georgetown Walsh School of Foreign Service Professor Emma Smith. The session will explore how the marginalized communities of refugees have resisted, reinterpreted, or refashioned aid to suit their specific contexts. The discussion will examine the narratives propagated by state and non-state actors that shape perceptions of development and humanitarian aid. Overall, this session will address critical issues such as the problematic stories behind development and humanitarian aid, as well as explore potential alternate frameworks. This session is ideal for those examining the evolution and future role of aid in global governance.

Join us for lightning talks featuring Fletcher students and alumni exploring colonialism’s lasting impact. Presentations will cover diverse topics, showcasing innovative work in anti-imperialism and decolonization. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the decolonization process. Discover multifaceted approaches to dismantling colonial structures and promoting justice and equity. This session is ideal for those interested in global justice and decolonization efforts.

Explore how international law serves as both a liberatory and coercive tool in this insightful session. Delve into the historical narratives of international law’s framers and its role in regulating state and non-state actors. Legal scholars will challenge colonial narratives upheld by the language of international law. Gain a deeper understanding of the dual nature of international law through a critical lens. This session is ideal for those interested in the complexities of global legal frameworks and justice.