Call for Papers

The Afterlives of Empire in the Caribbean

Call for Pitches: “The Afterlives of Empire in the Caribbean,” The NACLA REPORT

Brief Proposals due February 15, 2023 

October 25, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the Grenada Invasion, when the United States launched a Cold War military intervention in the island nation. The invasion violently marked the end of the socialist experiment inaugurated by the Grenada Revolution of 1979.

Today, we are seeing renewed colonial endeavors in the Caribbean, where foreign interests—now in the form of “cryptobros” and oil barons—are once again seeking their fortunes in the region. As in the past, the Caribbean continues to reshape and rebuild itself in the afterlife of empire. Although the term “afterlife” speaks to the continuing impact of imperialism, some countries remain actual territories, departments, or outright colonies.

The Fall 2023 issue of the NACLA Report, guest edited by Nicole Burrowes and Mónica Jímenez, will explore these themes. For this issue, we are looking for pieces that discuss both longstanding and emerging issues related to empire in the Caribbean, as well as renewed resistance to these dynamics.

We’re interested in pieces addressing topics including, but not limited to:

  • Climate change
  • Environmental racism
  • Disaster capitalism
  • Gentrification and displacement
  • Extractivism
  • Policing and carcerality
  • Mutual aid
  • Grassroots organizations
  • Art collectives and cultural movements
  • Solidarity efforts
  • Reparations and debt relief

For articles, we are interested in pieces that examine specific, narrowly defined topics and are written in a lively, accessible manner. We give preference to articles that are based on original research and interviews. We are also especially interested in art, music, and creative writing from across the region. We are interested in working with artists to showcase their work in hybrid print and digital formats.

Please send a brief pitch (250 words) outlining the thrust and tone of your proposed piece by February 15, 2023 to managing editor Heather Gies at hgies@nacla.org. We will respond to pitches by March 3. Drafts of accepted articles (2,500-3,500 words) will be due May 1, 2023.

Pitches and accepted articles may be submitted in English or Spanish. NACLA offers a small honorarium of $250 to contributors who depend on writing as their primary source of income.

For more information visit: https://nacla.org/call-pitches-empire-caribbean