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The Representation of External Threats in the Configuration of Spanish Power in the Philippines (1600-1800)

Objective

Challenging the traditional understanding of colonial rule in the early modern period, this project proposes a new perspective on how colonial systems of dominance operated, offering an innovative view on mechanisms of governance. Applying interdisciplinary methods, it emphasizes political communication as key element in the creation and consolidation of a system of power. Focussing on the colonial Philippines as a transcontinental cultural contact zone, this project investigates the concept of external threats as a fundamental element of political communication. Thereby, it advances simultaneously along two analytic lines, investigating (1) forms of threat representation, and (2) their effects.

Based on the sociological theory that external threats can foster the cohesion of a group, the hypothesis of this project is that specific representations of “enemies” contributed to the success of the Spanish colonial system for a long period (1565-1898), by strengthening the unity within the Spanish system and helping to overcome internal problems. To prove this effect, the project combines aspects of (1) system theory (N. Luhmann) and (2) the method of dispositif analysis (M. Foucault), which until now have only been applied separately. Based on system theory models, a concept of threat-communication is defined as a first analytic step for the investigation. It is completed with the concept of a dispositif of threat, which includes not only discourses in texts, but also visual forms of representation, objects, and performative acts – giving the project a pronounced interdisciplinary feature.

Overall, the project will contribute to a better understanding of the power structures of the Spanish colonial systems in particular and mechanisms of political communication in general. In addition, it will enhance the skills of the Experienced Researcher (ER), enabling him to become a leading expert in his field and to find an independent position in research.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 170 121,60
Address
CALLE SERRANO 117
28006 MADRID
Spain

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Region
Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 170 121,60
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