420013 SE Dissertation SE / VM5 / VM1 - Indigeneity (2016W)

The concept of indigeneity has unfolded substantial political dynamics worldwide during the past years. Since the ILO-Convention 169 has entered into force in 1991 and the passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the UN in 2007, many communities invoke the special protection guaranteed by these norms. The same importance is due to the elements of self determination and control over natural resources developing particular brisance in many states.
However, who may be regarded as indigenous is not clearly delimited in the international norms, and against the background of highly different colonial histories concepts of indigeneity vary widely in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Political processes for which the invocation of the concept plays a role vary as well. Whereas indigeneity has its fixed place in Latin America, it is hardly referred to in African countries. In Asia, the concept was seized upon by some communities - with strongly differing political success.
The seminar will offer an overview of juridical, historical, and political aspects of the concept indigeneity in comparative perspective. By means of example cases the differing meanings and political dynamics in Latin America, Africa, and Asia shall be juxtaposed and combined in a contrastive analysis of the concept.
The seminar will be organized in two blocks in January 2017.