[ Call for Papers | Applications ]

The Calls for Papers/Proposals/Participations for the Eighth International Seminar on Democracy and Human Rights in Multiethnic Societies by the Institute for Strengthening Democracy in Bosnia-Herzegovina accumulate (by the way: the introductory speaker will be Lino Veljak, Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb; his topic will be "Western Balkan or South-Eastern Europe between Normalization and Stagnation"):
The newest Panel that was announced will be organized by Azra Hromadzic, the topic will be: Reconciliation at Home and in Exile: Cross-cultural and Interdisciplinary Approaches.
Reconciliation has emerged as one of the master narratives of the late twentieth century as individuals and entire nations struggle to overcome the legacies of suffering ranging from rape and domestic violence to collective atrocities of state-sponsored dirty wars, genocides, and ethnic conflicts (Scheper-Hughes and Bourgois 2002). However, our knowledge of the ways in which people rebuild (if they do) their lives, communities, and societies after violent conflict is still in its infancy. Much interdisciplinary research in psychology, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines is needed in order to advance our understanding of post-conflict experiences.

One approach to this problem is through a rigorous, detailed, and comparative ethnographic research of the micro-processes of reconciliation that would illuminate how, when, and among whom forgiveness and reconciliation emerge in the complex interactions between individuals and groups. Other possible analyses would include new ways of theorizing the role of the state, NGOs, and/or the international community in retribution, accountability, and forgiveness. In addition, more knowledge is needed about the role of youth (education) and/or women as designated agents of reconciliation.

This panel will address these and many other approaches to reconciliation. Papers from all areas of scholarship and regions of the world are welcome. We especially encourage papers based on the comparative data, as well as new ways of theorizing and defining reconciliation. If you are interested in participating in this panel, please send a short abstract of your paper to Azra Hromadzic.

The Eighth International Seminar on Democracy and Human Rights in Multiethnic Societies will take place (as every year) at the Cultural House in Konjic, between 11-15th July, 2005.