DRAFT: HCIAS Research Program Area Studies, Global Challenges and Multiple Transformations

The HCIAS seeks to advance interdisciplinary research on Ibero-America as both a region of study and a source of theoretical innovation for understanding global transformations. Bringing together disciplinary expertise in sociology, political science, linguistics and communication, anthropology, and human geography, the Center investigates how social, cultural, political, ecological, and technological transformations are produced, contested, and experienced across Ibero-American and transregional contexts. 

Under the framing topic of Area Studies, Global Challenges and Multiple Transformations, the research program of the HCIAS is structured around three clusters that connect disciplinary strengths with major contemporary challenges, positioning Ibero-America as a key site for comparative inquiry into migration, democracy, and sustainability. These three HCIAS research clusters are designed to highlight societal complexity and address issues that are increasingly relevant in a global context; have a primary focus on Ibero-America, while also encompassing research on Germany and transregional research as part of a comparative approach; integrate existing strengths and open up new perspectives for cooperation within the University; and promote international collaborative research.