Bridges and Barriers: Rethinking Connections and Disconnections in Contemporary Canada on November 26-28, 2025 in Naples, Italy

In an era marked by rapid globalization, digital transformation, and shifting socio-political landscapes, contemporary Canada faces evolving challenges and opportunities in fostering stability and belonging while addressing divisions and conflicts (Simpson 2020; Coulthard 2021).

Canada has long been seen as a bridge between different cultures, identities, and geopolitical forces, yet barriers - both historical and contemporary - persist in shaping its national discourse. The complexities of Indigenous reconciliation efforts, the legacy of residential schools and land rights disputes (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 2015); regional disparities between provinces, particularly regarding economic development and resource distribution (Banting & Thompson 2023); linguistic tensions between English and French-speaking communities (Sioufi & Bourhis 2018); the outbreak and escalation of global conflicts, resulting in further divisions and negotiations; the evolving discourses on ethnicity, cultural diversity and gender equality which resonate in contemporary struggles for resistance and transformation (Abu-Laban 2023); the effects of migration and multiculturalism that shape urban and rural communities, raising questions about integration, identity, and policy responses (Li 2023). Canada's reputation as a welcoming nation for immigrants coexists with growing debates on border security, asylum policies, and systemic discrimination. Moreover, digital and physical infrastructures increasingly impact access to services, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Canada’s dual role as a place of connection and disconnection is therefore evident. The Conference seeks to explore the multifaceted ways in which Canada engages with the notions of connection and separation across cultural, political, linguistic, economic, and social spheres. We invite proposals that critically examine the factors that build bridges and create barriers in contemporary Canadian society, from a range of disciplines in the wider field of the Humanities. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches as well as geographic, historical, sociological, legal, literary, linguistic and cultural perspectives.

Proposals may address (but are not limited to) the following topics:

• Indigenous sovereignty, reconciliation, and self-governance

• Bilingualism and multilingualism: policies, identities, and challenges

• Immigration, multiculturalism, and social integration

• Climate change, environmental justice, and Indigenous perspectives

• Digital and physical infrastructures: access, exclusion, and connectivity

• Cultural production and artistic expressions of belonging and alienation

• Social movements and activism: building solidarities or reinforcing divides

• The role of education in shaping national identity

• Inclusion and accessibility: policies, challenges, and opportunities

• Literature and narratives of connection and disconnection

We encourage both theoretical and empirical approaches. Submissions from graduate students and early-career researchers are also welcome.

The official languages of the conference: Italian, English and French

Submission Guidelines:

Abstracts should be no more than 250 words and be accompanied by a brief biographical note (100 words). Please submit your proposals by June 30 to [email protected]

Notifications of acceptance will be sent by July 15.

For further inquiries, please contact [email protected] and visit our website to download the CfP in English, French and Italian: https://aiscnapoli2025.wixsite.com/bridgesandbarrier