Association of Global South Studies
AGSS President: Sura Rath, University of North Texas (Emeritus)
About the Association of Global South Studies, Inc.
In 1983, Dr. Harold Isaacs founded the Association of Third World Studies (ATWS) as an international structure for the humane and scientific study of Global South peoples, problems and issues, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of their lives. In early 2016, by vote of the association's members, its name was changed to Association of Global South Studies (AGSS) and its journal to the Journal of Global South Studies (JGSS).
Since 1983 the Association has held 38 annual international conferences, published 78 issues of its journal plus conference proceedings and an occasional newsletter. In 1992 Georgia Southern University became its Executive Headquarters now located at Louisiana State University Shreveport. In 1995 the United Nations granted U.N. “consultative status,” thus enabling the Association to increase its direct impact on Global South issues and developments.
In addition to these activities AGSS has had an international impact through its chapters in South Asia and Africa (Kenya & Nigeria) and its welcome of scholarly articles to the JGSS by Global South scholars. The South Asia chapter held fifteen successful conferences and members of chapters in Kenya and Nigeria have attended AGSS annual conferences and are prolific journal contributors.
Objectives:
- Provide ongoing open forums to discuss and analyze Global South problems and developments from different perspectives or viewpoints.
- Promote professional development through the encouragement of research, publication and teaching in the area of Global South Studies.
- Facilitate professional and social communication by sponsoring activities which will bring together persons interested in Global South Studies.
- Promote the enhancement of the quality of life of Global South peoples through application of primary research findings, and formal association with private and public institutions involved with development in the Global South.
- Sponsor lectures, seminars, symposia, conferences, including an Annual Meeting, focusing on Global South problems and developments.
- Encourage interested individuals to support institutions and organizations associated with development in the Global South.
- Recognize excellence in research, publication and teaching by appropriate awards and prizes.
