On 18 January 2017, Asia Centre will be convening the Benedict Anderson 1st Anniversary Memorial Roundtable to discuss contemporary issues surrounding nationalism, citizenship and statelessness across Asia. Nationalism remains a powerful force in current times as it fuels growth from the 54 states of UN in 1945 to 193 members to date.  In the wake of Brexit and the Trump victory, it is driving energies in Scotland, Catalonia and elsewhere. As a result, states are seeking to keep strong control over citizenship and immigration while enacting laws to render political opponents and vulnerable people stateless in the name of security. This Roundtable seeks to reflect on and discuss these issues in the context of contemporary developments in Asia such as the Chakmas in India, Uyghurs in China, Rohingyas in Myanmar, Hmong in Laos and others. This event follows our inaugural memorial Debating Imagined Communities: A Tribute to Benedict Anderson held on 30 January 2016 at the Asia Centre. The Roundtable is organised to celebrate the memory, life and work of Professor Benedict Anderson a well known academic who engaged in these issues.

This event is free.