Exploring the Histories and Data of Internationalism: The Union of International Associations (UIA) in Past and Present

Session Submission Type: Professional Development Workshop

Abstract

With a history that dates back to 1907, the Union of International Associations (UIA) has a rich history that involves a range of efforts to document different aspects of international life. This session introduces different aspects of UIA’s history, collections and activities, highlighting its potential uses for both researchers and a variety of organisations. The UIA may be best known among academics for its Yearbook of International Organizations which tracks the identities, activities, and networks of international nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations since the early twentieth century. The UIA also provides extensive data and expertise on international secretariats, meetings, tracking global issues over time, and research bibliographies for international associations of all types. The mission of the UIA also includes contributing to international peace and global prosperity, a task which has faced myriad challenges.

Daniel Laqua (Northumbria University) will outline the background and development of UIA, while Elizabeth Bloodgood (Concordia University) will present examples of how UIA data has been used by third sector researchers. UIA's data can provide insight into the regional densities of international NGOs as well as network between organizations, the rise and fall of issue areas, and global interconnections and divisions. The session will also feature examples of current UIA services, from its Yearbook of International Organizations to its Associations Round Tables, enabling graduate students and researchers to discover and access new resources.

Sub Unit

• Special Sessions

Presenters

• Daniel Laqua, Northumbria University

• Elizabeth Bloodgood, Concordia University

• Jacques de Mévius, Union of International Associations (UIA)