Adaptive self-organization in swidden agriculture

Online conference by Sean Downey, Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Ohio State University, and fellow for a one-month writing residency in June 2026 at the Paris IAS as part of the "Paris IAS Ideas" series.

The "Paris IAS Ideas" online lecture series offers short and stimulating presentations by researchers from the Paris Institute for Advanced Studies, marking the start of their month-long writing residency.

Session exclusively online and in English.
Free upon registration.
Registration is required via the form at the bottom of the page to receive the login link.

Presentation

This project theorizes swidden agriculture as an adaptive, self-organizing socioecological system. Drawing on complex systems theory and ethnographic research with Q’eqchi’ Maya communities, it challenges colonial and scientific biases and explains how local norms and ecological dynamics interact to sustain resilient forest landscapes. The work aims to reframe swidden as a sustainable practice, accessible to broad audiences.