CROSSING BORDERS: HISTORIES, THEORIES AND IDENTITIES:
An Interdisciplinary Conference hosted by the Centre for Border Studies,
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, UK and the Centre for
Comparative European History, Free University of Berlin and Humboldt,
University of Berlin, Germany
Thursday 2nd – Saturday 4th December, 2004
at the Glamorgan Business Centre, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd,
Wales, UK

Call for Papers
Borders often appear as fixed, quasi-permanent structures, physical
embodiments of national evolution and international relations. Viewed in
this sense, each has a distinct history, from the maritime margins of
British Isles to the trenches, fortresses and battlefields which lie along
the French-German border. Recent economic and cultural developments,
however, are challenging these previously secure markers. What will be the
fate of national borders in a world which promises the free exchange of
goods and services, yet insists on the strict control of migrants,
refugees and travellers?
 Under these new conditions, borders cease to be simple markers of
national histories. New forms of border develop: dividing lines between
languages, ethnic groups, in and outs, the static and the mobile. The
experience of crossing a border has changed quality, no longer resembling
a page from history book, but – arguably – taking on the form of a
psychological or cultural event, perhaps better explained by a novelist
than a historian.
This conference aims to create a dialogue between historians and
specialists in the new discipline of Border Studies. Plenary sessions will
present contributions from the main disciplines associated with Border
Studies – Political Science, Geography, Psychology, Anthropology – and
reflect on the validity of the concept of borders as historical
embodiments of power structures. Alternative models by which to understand
borders will be debated. In turn, historians will be asked to provide case
studies of both the changing nature of borders and their changing
representations. Plenary speakers at concluding sessions will draw
together some provisional conclusions.

 Papers are invited on the following topics:
• Border Studies: past, present and future
• Border Studies: implications for the nation-state
• Before and after borders: frontiers, marches and walls
• Borders, wars and international conflicts
• Partitions: creating borders and states
• The changing nature of state borders in the modern world
• New borders: language, religion, ethnicity,
• Gendering Border Studies
• `The Clash of Civilizations’? – Previous models and present
realities

Organizers: Professor Chris Williams ([log in to unmask]), Dr Sharif
Gemie ([log in to unmask]), Centre for Border Studies, University of
Glamorgan; PD Dr Arnd Bauerkaemper, Centre for Comparative European
History, Free University of Berlin ([log in to unmask]).

The organizers would also welcome papers on any other related topics.
Paper proposals (deadline 30 June) should be a maximum of 300 words and be
accompanied by a brief curriculum vitae. Please contact

Professor Chris Williams,
 Centre for Border Studies,
 School of Humanities,
 University of Glamorgan,
 Pontypridd,
 CF37 1DL,
 Wales,
 United Kingdom.

 Email: [log in to unmask]
 Tel: 00 44 (0)1443 483692

www.glam.ac.uk/hass/research/border/