Editorial: “Encounters”

Abstract

The theme “Encounters” was chosen to recognise historic, socio-political, utopian and dystopian exchanges between groups or individuals. Encounters serve as pivotal moments of connection, conflict and transformation, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. Whether through cultural, historical, or personal lenses, encounters challenge established norms, ignite new ideas and reveal underlying power dynamics. This issue explores the rich and varied dimensions of encounters, examining how they disrupt, redefine, or reinforce boundaries in literature, film, history, music and everyday life. Each contributor engages with the theme of “Encounters” in unique ways, and from diverse scholarly backgrounds, resulting in the rich array of topics presented in the current issue.