301272 State formation in Latin America. (S) (WiSe 2024/2025)

Multiple global and local crises, economic recessions, and social upheaval contributed to a revival of discussion on the state. In this seminar, we discuss the processes of state formation in non-western societies from sociological perspectives. The seminar combines current approaches 1) of the transformation of the state and 2) classics on state formation in Latin America. We will discuss interdisciplinary notions and concepts of territory, territoriality, and territorialization in contexts of violence and coloniality. In addition, we analyze propositions of practical state (trans)formation on heterogeneous societies and institutional frameworks in Latin America. The program comprises an initial block on conceptual ideas and then sessions with concrete examples and case studies from Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia to illustrate research problems and practical challenges, with particular attention to feminist theory of the state, transamerican initiatives, and supranational bodies.

This course will be taught in English. For Spanish or German original literature, English translations will be provided.

Bibliography

Background readings:
• Das, Veena/Poole, Deborah (Eds.) (2004). Anthropology in the margins of the state. Santa Fe/N.M./Oxford, School of American Research Press; James Currey.
• Joseph, Gilbert M./Nugent, Daniel (Eds.) (1994). Everyday Forms of State Formation: Revolution and the Negotiation of Rule in Modern Mexico. Durham and London, Duke University Press.
• Leibfried, Stephan/Huber, Evelyne/Lange, Matthew/Levy, Jonah D./Nullmeier, Frank/Stephens, John D. (Eds.) (2015). The Oxford handbook of transformations of the state. Oxford/New York, Oxford University Press.
• Lopez-Alves, Fernando (2000). State Formation and Democracy in Latin America, 1810-1900. Durham, Duke University Press.
• Pansters, Wil G. (Ed.) (2012). Violence, Coercion, and State-Making in Twentieth-Century Mexico: The Other Half of the Centaur. Stanford, Stanford University Press.
• Thwaites Rey, Mabel (Ed.) (2012). El Estado en Ámerica Latina: Continuidades y Rupturas. Santiago de Chile, Arcis.