Flows and Frictions in Trans-Himalayan Spaces: Histories of Networking and Border Crossing

Flows and Frictions in Trans-Himalayan Spaces explores the movements and connections of people across a bordered landscape, despite harsh political realities that have created hard borders. The book demonstrates that mobility has always coexisted with friction in the region, giving it its historical shape and contemporary dynamism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Flows and Frictions in Trans-Himalayan Spaces explores the intricate movements and connections within a region renowned for its formidable barriers to mobility. Comprising eight original essays and a conceptual introduction, this comprehensive volume delves into the themes of networks and interconnections among individuals across a bordered landscape. The study of mobility in the diverse ecologies of south-western China, Myanmar, and north-eastern India, characterized by rugged terrain, towering mountains, monsoon-fed rivers, and marshy lowlands, is undoubtedly fraught with friction. However, the harsh political realities of today have imposed rigid borders, fragmenting the trans-Himalayan terrain. Nevertheless, the meticulously researched chapters within this book showcase that these borders have not impeded the abundance of movements, connections, and flows. Mobility has always coexisted with friction in this region, but the coexistence has been disrupted, giving rise to its historical shape and contemporary dynamism.

Introducing the concept of the "corridor as an analytical framework," this collection investigates mobility and flows within this singular socio-political landscape. The essays explore various aspects of mobility, including the role of borders, infrastructure, and governance in shaping mobility patterns. They also examine the experiences of individuals and communities living in trans-Himalayan spaces, highlighting their resilience, adaptability, and creativity in navigating the challenges posed by the region.

Through its multidisciplinary approach, Flows and Frictions in Trans-Himalayan Spaces offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of mobility in a region characterized by its geographical and political complexities. It sheds light on the ways in which individuals, communities, and institutions navigate the boundaries and barriers that shape their lives, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse and interconnected nature of trans-Himalayan societies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463724371