Rozita Dimova - Böcker

The political materialities of borders aims to bring questions of materiality to bear specifically on the study of borders. In doing this, the contributors have chosen an approach that does not presume the material aspect of borders but rather explores the ways in which any such materiality comes into being. Through ethnographic and philosophical explorations of the ontology of borders from the perspective of materiality, this volume seeks to throw light on the interaction between the materiality of state borders and the non-material aspects of state-making. This enables, it is shown, a new understanding of borders as productive of the politics of materiality, on which both the state project rests, including in its multifarious forms in the post-nation-state era.

This innovative book documents border porosities that have developed and persisted between Greece and North Macedonia over different temporalities and at different localities. By drawing on geology’s approaches to studying porosity, Dimova argues that similar to rocks and minerals that only appear solid and impermeable, seemingly impenetrable borders are inevitably traversed by different forms of passage.The rich ethnographic case studies, from the history of railroads in the southern Balkans, border town beauty tourism, child refugees during the Greek Civil War, mining and environmental activism, and the urban renovation project in Skopje, show that the political borders between states do not only restrict or regulate the movement of people and things, but are also always permeable in ways that exceed state governmentality.

In post-1991 Macedonia, Barok furniture came to represent affluence and success during a period of transition to a new market economy. This furniture marked the beginning of a larger Baroque style that influenced not only interior decorations in people’s homes but also architecture and public spaces. By tracing the signifier Baroque, the book examines the reconfiguration of hierarchical relations among (ethnic) groups, genders, and countries in a transnational context. Investigating how Baroque has come to signify larger social processes and transformations in the current rebranding of the country, the book reveals the close link between aesthetics and politics, and how ethno-national conflicts are reflected in visually appealing ornamentation.

This edited volume introduces a fresh approach to higher education that redefines traditional paradigms. It explores pressing concerns about the future of universities and education, addressing key issues such as transformative shifts stemming from an increased emphasis on vocational and specialised training at the expense of traditional liberal education, the relationship between university education and political dynamics and the pace of technological advancement and shift to online learning. The volume aims to satisfy the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking examination of the future of universities and higher education. In addition to the broader examination of global trends, several chapters offer unique insights in Central and Eastern European higher education which offer readers a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the educational landscape in these regions.The book confronts the central question of whether the foundational principles of traditional science and education are under threat, and how they should adapt to an ever-changing landscape. Advocating for a potential redefinition of education, the authors challenge institutional norms and promote innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of students in an uncertain world. It not only provides a reflective platform for envisioning the future of universities and higher education, but also acknowledges the far-reaching implications for academia, society and all stakeholders involved in this transformative journey.