Abstract for CAGONT 2004

Here's the abstract I submitted for the CAG-Ontario conference in Waterloo this October 30th:

Prospects for trans Himalayan research amidst warming bilateral relations between India and China.

In recent months, political relations between India and China, frozen since the 1962 India-China War, have warmed considerably, leading to the possible restoration of amicable relations across their Himalayan frontier. Fortunately, this subtle but perhaps pivotal geopolitical shift comes at a time when the need for a regional approach is increasingly being felt to address the multifaceted challenges facing the fragile mountain environments and the economic, cultural, and social marginalization of the Himalayan peoples.

In this presentation, the potential impact of these developments will be explored by outlining the historical context of political, spiritual, and commercial relations across the trans Himalayas, the contemporary avenues for regional cooperation, and emerging opportunities for scholarly work in this area. Moreover, both the evolving Sino-Indian relationship and the interests of highland communities in this process will be considered.