Researching Global Social Change

Researching Global Social Change

Research

The Ghent Centre for Global Studies is an interdisciplinary platform that unites scholars at Ghent University around the critical study of globalisation and the interaction of local and global processes. Our research and education focuses on migration, borders and mobilities; political ecology of extractivism, commodification and environmental struggles; economic (de- & re-)regulations and urban-rural transformations; global governance and social movements fighting for a more just world. The Centre wishes to create knowledge as a tool for social change and contribute to the public debate on post-development and degrowth. To this end, the GCGS also collaborates with activists, NGO’s, policy-makers and artists.

Core research themes

  • Migration: borders & mobilities
  • Nature, resources & land – political ecology & commodity frontiers
  • Margins, property & space – inequality & citizenship
  • Global governance & social movements – rule & resistance

Affiliated research groups

  • CEVI – Centre for Ethics and Value Inquiry – Global Ethics (Philosophy and Moral Sciences)
  • CRG – Conflict Research Group (Conflict & Development Studies)
  • ECC – Economies, Comparisons, Connections (History)
  • GIES – Ghent Institute for International and European Studies (Political Science)
  • HRC – Human Rights Centre (Public, International and European Law)
  • ITIM – International Trade, Investment and Migration (Economics)
  • MENARG – Middle East and North Africa Research Group, (Conflict & Development Studies)
  • Architecture and Urban planning

Partner networks at Ghent University

  • CESSMIR – Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees
  • GiC – International Thematic Network on Governance in Conflict
  • HRRN – Human Rights Research Network
  • Stadsacademie – City Academy