Regional Conference:Religion in Western Balkan Societies

Deadline: 20 January 2019
Open to: researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the field
Benefits: fully funded

Description

The conference on Religion in Society is organized by the Institute for Democracy and Mediation, Belgrade Open School, Analitika Center for Social Research and the Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities, with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This regional conference aims to explore threats and opportunities for the role of religion in Western Balkans societies and to contribute to enhancing societal and policy mechanisms to better respond to future challenges in this regard.

Researchers, policymakers and practitioners in the field are invited to contribute paper proposals for the conference. Selected papers will be published in the Religion in Society Research Conference volume and the websites of the organizers. Authors will present their paper during the conference in Tirana and will be asked to ensure their availability to participate. The conference provides a unique opportunity for authors to share their findings and engage with fellow academics, practitioners in the field and other stakeholders (state, religious, non-state, internationals etc.) at the panel discussions. Authors will be compensated for their contribution and the travel expenses to attend the conference will be covered by the organizers.

They invite papers on the following topics

Religion and democracy – This topic will explore the role of religion in modern Western Balkan societies. Over the course of almost 30 years, Western Balkan countries have slowly transitioned from communism to more modern democratic societies. What are the countries’ experiences with religion and advancing democratic values in the democratization processes? Topics include, but are not limited to:

Religion and democratic participation; Secularism and modern societies; Religion and human rights (incl. issues like freedom of expression, gender, equality, non- discrimination, etc.); Religion in multiethnic and multi-confessional societies.

Religion, states, and security – This topic opens the discussion from state level towards regional perspectives and challenges within the Western Balkans. Under this topic, general the conference explores the general question of what are the implications of religion on, and potential contribution to, peace, regional cooperation and security. Topics include, but are not limited to:

Religion and security; Role of religion in regional cooperation (good neighbourhood relations); Religion and foreign influences in the region; Nationalism, populism and religion; Religious extremism Interfaith/ interethnic relations and reconciliation.

Papers should be drafted in English (+/-3500 words) and must address contemporary issues related to the region of the Western Balkans or one of the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro or Serbia).

Eligibility

All researchers, policymakers and practitioners in the field are eligible.

Benefits

The conference provides a unique opportunity for authors to share their findings and engage with fellow academics, practitioners in the field and other stakeholders (state, religious, non-state, internationals etc.) at the panel discussions. Authors will be compensated for their contribution and the travel expenses to attend the conference will be covered by the organizers.

How to apply?

Please submit the following documents by 20 January 2019 (23:59 CET) to religioninsociety@idmalbania.org. Late submissions will not be accepted.

– The abstract indicating main topic, arguments, and references (max. 800 words);

– Publication list (this may be a selection)

OR two writing samples (1000-2000 words each, preferably unedited); – CV or short bio.

For more information, please contact Leonie Vrugtman via email at lvrugtman@idmalbania.org or read the official document.