1- The aim is to study the history of the Greater Caribbean in a comparative perspective. The aim is to overcome the geographical isolation of the islands, which has also led to a lack of knowledge of the region's history. Our aim is to transcend borders and national and regional histories to trace long-term processes in a transatlantic space. To this end, it is essential to make a counterpoint between imperial policies and resistances, which generated different economic, social and cultural practices, as well as multiple identities and cultural forms.
The Caribbean as a meeting place is a favourable scenario to analyse the arrival, generation and dissemination of ideas, economic and commercial systems, individuals, practices and identities. What makes the area different is the transnationality or trans-colonialism. Where formal European and African cultural aspects could be found; as well as other lesser represented but still important ones such as ethnic Asian, indigenous population and so on, within a transcultural process that generated its own identities. The proposed research topic promotes networking as a strategy to achieve considerable comparative and transdisciplinary results. The Caribbean history invites us to analyze events utilizing a comparative approach. Analyses are performed at several levels, from macro to microhistorical examinations, from Atlantic to regional histories, from the national to the local contexts.
The project has allowed us to discuss our common history. This dialogue sometimes involves a deconstruction of national history. It is a matter of breaking down national imaginaries on which national histories have been based. Our researches will contribute to the dismantling of “national prejudices.”
2-The social impact of the project.
Our studies connect the past with the present to discover the roots of some contemporary challenges in today's societies. We study some phenomena that are present today in the Caribbean countries. For example, the racialization of populations and the origin of racism and xenophobia. The analysis of these phenomena has an important social impact since some of the results may contribute to discussions about possible political solutions or help to combat the stigmatization and racism against non-white populations in Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
We have a commitment to society. Education can change feelings and culture, especially in societies where racism and xenophobia exist.
The social impact of our research connects to the challenges that we proposed from the beginning of the project. We believe that culture and science are engines of economic development. Both contribute to more equal, tolerant, and democratic societies.
History and the social sciences collaborate to reveal myths and break social and cultural barriers. Knowledge contributes to valuing human diversity, and is an instrument to create freer and more egalitarian societies.
The education is one of the ways to fight for the human rights, and to democratize societies and eradicate ethnic or religious prejudices.
In summary, the project’s results may be useful for: a) Designing public policies to combat the stigmatization of, and racism against, non-white populations in Europe, Latin American, the Caribbean region and other parts of the world; b) Formulate possible policies or action plans in the Caribbean region; c) Develop economic growth strategies based on the knowledge of local and regional successes and failures in the past; d) Our research will underscore the protection and rescue of historical memory and promote cultural expression. We also develop action research to facilitate the implementation of heritage studies.
