Extraction and Empires: A history that hasn’t ended

This event is part 1 of a 3-part Studium Generale program series organised between Leiden University and the Humanity Hub. On three Wednesday evenings we bring together academics and practitioners, and delve into the world of critical raw materials.

How did resource extraction build empires, and how much has really changed since?

In this opening session of our three-part series on critical raw materials, Prof. dr. Catía Antunes (Leiden University) traces the long history of how empires sustained themselves through the extraction of resources, drawing on striking examples across the centuries. She  connects that past to the present, showing how little the underlying logic of extraction has shifted, and how similar patterns are still visible now that the world races for the critical minerals that power the energy transition.

Following the keynote, Antunes is joined by Marius Troost (Both ENDS) for a panel discussion on the injustices bound up in the extraction of critical raw materials today: who bears responsibility for them, and how NGOs and other actors can best aim their efforts to have the greatest impact. The panel will be moderated by Brian Jacobs.

Afterwards there is time for drinks and a networking reception.

🗓 Wednesday 28 October
🕠17:30 – 19:00
📍The Humanity Hub, Fluwelen Burgwal 58, Den Haag

Attendence is free, please sign-up in advance.