Nidhi Mahajan

Nidhi Mahajan, an Associate Professor at UC Santa Cruz, dives deep into the maritime world with her book, exploring how dhows connect South Asia and East Africa. She discusses the socioeconomic dynamics of small-scale trade and hospitality among seafarers, revealing the interplay of cultural identity and regulatory challenges. The conversation highlights the geopolitical intricacies of the Indian Ocean, including the risks of navigating sanctions and the evolving identities of communities affected by climate change and colonial legacies.