The Voices of Grassroots in Anthropology: Global Transnational Solidarities and Contemporary Struggles

Abstract (English)

Following our successful 2024 panel, “The Voices of Grassroots in Anthropology: Theorizing from Unheard Paradigms,” this iteration shifts focus to amplify transnational grassroots perspectives amid urgent contemporary challenges. Anthropology, long rooted in colonial projects of understanding the “other,” now confronts postcolonial, decolonial and countercolonial transformations—even as neo-colonial dynamics persist. This evolution has foregrounded diverse and underrepresented paradigms, including Indigenous conceptualizations, Dalit (Caste) perspectives, subaltern approaches, trans-queer and feminist epistemologies, and radical transnational movements challenging caste, racism, class and gender-sexual based oppression.

This panel interrogates how marginalized epistemologies forge transnational and global solidarities and reimagine anthropological theory and practice in response to global crises such as climate collapse, digital authoritarianism, mass displacement, war and techno-capitalist surveillance. Centering voices from the Global South and diasporas, we ask: How do grassroots paradigms transcend borders to counter neoliberal exploitation, ecological violence, and enduring colonial legacies? Through critical case studies and interdisciplinary dialogue, we aim to assess the transformative potential of these emergent paradigms in reshaping traditional anthropological narratives toward radical co-liberation.

Panel Themes:

1. Decolonizing Anthropology to Counter-coloniality in a Transnational and Global World
Tracing the shift from colonial methodologies to decolonial praxis to counter-colonial approaches in addressing today’s global challenges. Highlighting transnational and global case studies and collaborative knowledge co-creation.

2. Indigenous Epistemologies and Planetary Futures
Examining Indigenous frameworks that confront environmental injustice and resist extractivism. Analyzing transnational and global alliances that challenge neo-colonial and data colonial practices.

3. Caste, Race, Ethnicity, and Migration in Transnational and Global Contexts
Unpacking the intersections of caste, race, gender, ethnicity and labor in migration and globalization. Investigating how Dalit, Black, and subaltern movements articulate resistance and social justice.

4. Trans-Queer and Feminist Epistemologies: Bodies, Borders, and Resistance
Investigating the impact of trans-queer and feminist epistemologies in contemporary struggles for gender justice. Understanding the psycho-social and mental wellbeing of queer people in resistance and surviving. The intersection of queer theory, feminism, and grassroots movements across different geopolitical contexts. Case studies illustrating how trans-queer and feminist methodologies disrupt dominant epistemologies.

5. Transnational and Global Activism and Digital Anthropologies
Evaluating the role of anthropologists in supporting global and transnational movements for climate justice, anti-racism, and abolition. Addressing ethical dilemmas in scholar-activism within digital spaces.

Call for Contributions:
We invite scholars, organizers, and grassroots theorists to submit papers, films, or multimedia works addressing these themes. Contributions may focus on digital authoritarianism, transnational or/and global feminist networks, Indigenous critiques of green capitalism, or global solidarities among marginalized communities and many more.  This panel asserts that grassroots paradigms offer not just critique but blueprints for survival. By centering transnational global voices and contemporary struggles, we challenge anthropology to leave behind its extractive past and embrace a future of radical co-liberation.