This is an appeal to anyone out there who may be interested (or
who knows somebody who might be interested) in contributing a
chapter or getting involved in the editing of a book on Africa-Baltic
Relations with particular emphasis on the relationship between
Africa and the Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania).
The decision to publish this book was taken at a recent conference
(the Africa-Baltic Conference) which took place in Valmiera, Latvia
in May this year (1999). Although there is a promise of funding for
the publication of the book from the Latvian government, this is not
the main driving force behind the project.
The main bulk of the book will be made up of updated versions of
papers presented at the conference but we will still need some
more contributions from other experts. The areas to be covered by
the book include: history, gender issues, international crime,
politics and international relations, the environment, the role of
international organizations, refugees, education, culture music and
folklore, or other relevant topics e.g. the implications for Latvia of
joining the EU (Foreign Policy). We expect the approaches taken
to be generally comparative
In addition, we hope to have a short section in the book where
musicians, explorers etc from the Baltic States who have been to
Africa can describe their experiences and vice versa
The book will emphasize issues such as the effects of the colonial
and Soviet experiences; areas of mutual interests that can be
explored in order to facilitate international understanding between
Africa and the Baltic States as well as the development of foreign
policies; the nature of the socio-political transformations that have
taken place since 'independence', and perceptions of 'the way
forward' in the 21st century.
The co-editors of this book will be Dr Aldis Purs & Dr Tayo Oke
(the co-organisers of the Africa-Baltic conference in Valmiera)
Any suggestions on how the structure of the book can be improved
will be appreciated.
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