Anthropology and the Belt and Road: Prof. David A. Palmer Explores New Pathways for Social Risk Management at Sun Yat-sen University
On 14 September 2026, the eighth session of the Martin Hall Lecture Series was held at Martin Hall, South Campus of Sun Yat-sen University. Professor David A. Palmer, Professor at the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology, Director of the Global Society and Sustainability Lab, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, was invited to deliver a lecture entitled “Anthropology and the Belt and Road: New Pathways for Social Risk Identification, Assessment and Management.”
10/9/20262 min read
On 14 September 2026, the eighth session of the Martin Hall Lecture Series was held at Martin Hall, South Campus of Sun Yat-sen University. Professor David A. Palmer, Professor at the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology, Director of the Global Society and Sustainability Lab, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, was invited to deliver a lecture entitled “Anthropology and the Belt and Road: New Pathways for Social Risk Identification, Assessment and Management.” The lecture was hosted by the Department of Anthropology, School of Sociology and Anthropology, Sun Yat-sen University, and supported by the Sun Yat-sen University · Shenshan Laolin Anthropology Education Development Fund.
Drawing on his own cross-cultural research journey from Canada to China, Prof. Palmer traced his academic path from the study of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary society, to Belt and Road research, and then to the fields of ESG, green finance and social risk management. He noted that anthropology is not merely a discipline but an attitude towards people and cultures — one that can be applied across industries. Many Chinese enterprises going global encounter difficulties because of an insufficient understanding of local societies and cultures; a considerable number of projects fail or are delayed precisely because of inadequate social risk management, resulting in cost overruns, reputational damage and even legal disputes.
On 14 September 2026, the eighth session of the Martin Hall Lecture Series was held at Martin Hall, South Campus of Sun Yat-sen University. Professor David A. Palmer, Professor at the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology, Director of the Global Society and Sustainability Lab, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, was invited to deliver a lecture entitled “Anthropology and the Belt and Road: New Pathways for Social Risk Identification, Assessment and Management.” The lecture was hosted by the Department of Anthropology, School of Sociology and Anthropology, Sun Yat-sen University, and supported by the Sun Yat-sen University · Shenshan Laolin Anthropology Education Development Fund.
Drawing on his own cross-cultural research journey from Canada to China, Prof. Palmer traced his academic path from the study of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary society, to Belt and Road research, and then to the fields of ESG, green finance and social risk management. He noted that anthropology is not merely a discipline but an attitude towards people and cultures — one that can be applied across industries. Many Chinese enterprises going global encounter difficulties because of an insufficient understanding of local societies and cultures; a considerable number of projects fail or are delayed precisely because of inadequate social risk management, resulting in cost overruns, reputational damage and even legal disputes.
David A. Palmer
SITE MAP
Bridging research and community through spiritual growth, dialogue, and social engagement.
Home
Copyright © 2025 David A. Palmer. All Rights Reserved.
CONTACT
About
Publications
Resources
Team & Students