2026 International Interdisciplinary Conference on Myanmar’s Borderlands | 2026 IICMB
jointly organized by
Inya Institute | Southeast Asia Program (SEAP), Cornell University
July 24-26, 2026
online
INTERCONNECTEDNESS ACROSS MYANMAR’S BORDERLANDS
Myanmar’s multilayered crisis is profoundly reshaping the socio-economic and geo-political dynamics of the country’s borderlands—regions that have evolved into spaces of exchange, negotiation, and collaboration across geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. The emergence of these spaces has been uneven, unfolding under stringent administrative control and persistent insecurity and marked by fluctuating intensity and periodic pushback from central authorities. Yet, the potential of borderlands to provide local and trans-local communities and networks with opportunities to shape the country’s future remains tremendous.
The conference’s focus on interconnectedness will highlight how inclusive learning and dialogue, local and trans-local community engagement, and recognition of our interdependence with the natural environment can further strengthen borderland dynamics across all markers. It will broaden the conversation on borderland issues that may only be addressed through the prism of ethnicity or framed as issues specific to group identities. It will also encourage dialogue across communities, inviting them to discuss the challenges they face and the aspirations they hold.
The Inya Institute (Yangon), Cornell University’s Southeast Asia Program (SEAP), and their Southeast Asia-based partners invite scholars and students to submit original research papers and/or panels covering any area of Myanmar borders with China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India and addressing any of the following topics:
• borderland dynamics and their local and trans-local communities
• networks and partnerships emerging across ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic boundaries
• communities, networks, and trade across borders
• natural resources and challenges to environmental protection in borderlands
• legal and illegal border migration
• humanitarian relief to refugees and public health in borderlands
• border regimes and governance
• infrastructure(s) and illicit economies and activities
• non-human mobility in borderlands
• formal and non-formal education in borderlands
• other themes related to Myanmar’s borderlands.
We also welcome book presentations, movie presentations, and roundtables.
In order to preserve the confidentiality of presenters, the conference program will not be available for circulation beyond the group of conference presenters. Conference presenters will also be expected to follow the Chatham House Rule.
The conference will be held entirely online. Due the time difference between Myanmar and the U.S., panels will be held in the evening for presenters based in Myanmar, Thailand, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and the morning for those located in the U.S.
Submission of Abstracts
All abstracts (with a 300-word limit) must be submitted at the following link:
https://orcfellowships.smapply.org/prog/2026_iicmb
Deadline for Proposals Submission: April 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Decision Notification by: May 29, 2026
| In-person Registration fees | |||
| Early bird | Standard registration | ||
| Non-students : N/A | Non-students: N/A | ||
| Students: N/A | Students: N/A | ||
| Myanmar presenters: N/A | Myanmar presenters: N/A |
| Online Registration fees | |||
| Early bird | Standard registration | ||
| Non-students: N/A | Non-students: N/A | ||
| Students: N/A | Students: N/A | ||
| Myanmar presenters: N/A | Myanmar presenters: N/A |