Летняя школа аб канфліктах і крызісах у краінах і супольнасцях Цэнтральнай і Усходняй Еўропы

Contents

Transformation in Central and Eastern Europe has been characterised by historically shaped crises and conflicts on all levels of political, economic and societal life. Political transformation has partly resulted in hybrid political systems which are incapable of integrating broad layers of their populations. Economic crises and uneven (re)distribution of property has marginalised (most often the same) large groups of the respective societies. Minority and ethno-political conflicts, many of them at a stalemate, have severely hampered state building as well as the consolidation of societal stability – and continue to do so. Contradicting interpretations of history prevent societies from developing a common identity and thus aggravate nation building processes. At the same time, political crises and societal upheaval, as witnessed for example in Georgia and Ukraine, have pushed forward the transformation of political systems. The Summer School 2007 will focus on the problems and the potential for (democratic) consolidation in Eastern Europe. We are requesting applications from historians, political scientists, sociologists, lawyers, geographers and economists who treat related topics in their scientific work.

The Summer School

This conference will be the 2nd of three Summer Schools for young academics conducting research on Eastern Europe. The Summer School “A Changing Europe” is a spin-off project to the Conferences of Young Experts on Eastern Europe (since 1995), which established the foundation for a tight network of young researchers and other experts concerned with Central and Eastern Europe and the social sciences (www.joe-list.de). The Summer Schools extend this concept to researchers in Central and Eastern Europe. The core of the Summer School will consist of the presentation of scientific papers and their discussion by senior researchers with international reputations in their respective fields. The sessions will be framed by lectures and excursions, as well as other activities designed to give participants the opportunity to socialise and establish contacts (see also the programme of the Summer School 2006 at www.changing-europe.de). Selected contributions to the Summer School will be published in a volume. The participants will be integrated in an alumni network.

Paper proposals

Paper proposals must be based on original research and should not exceed 1000 words. They must be drafted in English and must connect an empirical question with a theoretical approach and concept in order to be accepted. Comparative approaches (inter- as well as intra-regional) are encouraged. An international review panel will assess the papers for the conference in an anonymous review process.

The deadline for receipt of paper proposals is 30 November 2006. Please submit your proposal online according to the guidelines at www.changing-europe.de.

Costs

Funding by the Volkswagen-Stiftung covers travel costs as well as accommodation and participation fees.

Location

German Historical Institute Warsaw

Information

Further information about the Summer School as well as the general framework of the conference project “A changing Europe” is available at www.changing-europe.de.