Call for Papers

“Integration in Eastern European Societies: Minorities between Nation-States and Europe”

The British Association for Slavonic and East European Studies BASEES Conference 29-31 May 2008. Fitzwilliam College Cambridge

Numerous studies have focused on ethnic minorities in Eastern Europe mostly emphasising nationalising policies, the problem of external homelands, and effects of EU-enlargement on relations between majorities and minorities. In addition to existing studies this panel seeks to address the efforts taken by CEEC for integrating national minorities in their society. The panel aims at reviewing practices and programmes of social integration since 1989 by implementing Social Integration Programmes of various kinds.

We would like to welcome case-studies investigating the development of state minority integration programmes from various perspectives. The contributions should address the following questions, but are not limited by these:

• Which role are state actors, international organisations, local communities and minority groups playing when initiating and executing integration programmes?
• Which ideological, political or other conceptions stand behind these integration programmes?
• What is the international and domestic legal basis for minority integration?

• What – if any – was the role of minorities in the drafting of these programmes?
• Has the original framework of integration programmes changed since its first application
• Which problems emerged during implementation?
• Can EU conditionality be made responsible for the implementation of integration programmes? What has changed with EU membership?

Potential paper givers should submit an abstract of not more than 250 words, and a brief academic CV, including institutional affiliation and major foci of research until Friday, September 21^st to convenors.

Malte Brosig, University of Portsmouth

[log in to unmask]

Timofey Agarin, University of Aberdeen

[log in to unmask]