Justin Shaffner
Introduction
I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Social Anthropology at the
University of Cambridge (2005 – Present). I previously studied
anthropology and philosophy at the University of Virginia (B.A. 2003).
Research interests
Kamok-anim:
the cosmopolitics of being 'human' in the southern lowlands
of New
Guinea
My
research investigates the contemporary political economy of the
southern lowlands of New Guinea. I conducted 18 months of fieldwork
(Sept 2006 – April 2008) with Marind (Boazi and Zimakani) speakers
living in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. My dissertation
focuses on the experiences of kamok-anim,
or fight leaders, as they attempt to create and maintain productive
relations across multiple contexts: regional ritual networks; the PNG
National Government; Ok Tedi and Porgera mining companies; logging and
eco-forestry projects; and Free West Papua movement.
Projects
The Melanesian –
Co-founded in May 2008 with Andrew Moutu (Adelaide), the Melanesian is
an editorial news site and community of critics committed to a serious
engagement with issues affecting peoples living in the Pacific. These
issues may include, but are not limited to, the environment, health,
politics, rule of law and human rights; and issues of sovereignty.
Open Anthropology
Cooperative
– Founded in June 2009, there are currently over 2,500 members
from students, both undergraduate to graduate, to distinguished faculty
and passionate amateurs.