With apologies for cross-posting.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Jackson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Is it Time for a Critical Terrorism Studies?
A Two Day Conference
Friday 27 October - Saturday 28 October, 2006
Staff House, University of Manchester
jointly organised by
The British International Studies Association Working Group,
Critical Studies on Terrorism (CST),
The Centre for the Study of Radicalisation & Contemporary Political Violence (CSRV),
The University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Sponsored by the ESRC and BISA
Conference Aims
Since September 11, 2001, terrorism studies has undergone a rapid transformation from minor sub-field of security studies to a stand-alone field of teaching and research. There are terrorism studies degree programmes, an ever-increasing cohort of terrorism studies PhD students, major terrorism-related research projects, and the establishment of terrorism studies academic posts and specialised terrorism-related research institutions. However, recent review exercises have generated a number of serious epistemological, methodological, and political-normative criticisms of the terrorism studies field as it currently stands. This conference aims: to explore critical approaches to the study of terrorism; to foster constructive dialogue between traditional and critical accounts of political violence and terrorism; to map out a future research agenda that is both critical and policy relevant; and to launch a new network of critically-oriented scholars of the phenomenon of 'terrorism'.
The conference will hear from leading scholars and practitioners in the field, and will provide ample opportunity for debate and dialogue between participants. Some of the key questions to be explored over the two days include: What are the main strengths and weaknesses of orthodox terrorism studies research? What can 'critical' approaches add to our understanding of political violence and terrorism? What would a 'critical terrorism studies' look like in terms of its underlying assumptions, methodologies, ethical responsibilities, and future research priorities? What are the weaknesses of 'critical' approaches, and what are the potential dangers and pitfalls that need to be avoided? Can critical studies on terrorism be both 'critical' and policy relevant? What are the advantages and drawbacks of establishing a 'critical terrorism studies' sub-field and how will this affect the cross-fertilisation between traditional and critical approaches?
PhD students can apply for two Bursaries to go towards Conference Fees. For Further Information, Details of PhD Bursaries and Conference Registration please visit:
http://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/politics/events/cst/default.htm
Or Email the Conference Administrator:
[log in to unmask]
Conference Programme
Friday 27 October 2006
15.30 - 16.00 Refreshments & Registration
16.00 - 17.00 Session 1: Terrorism Studies: Trends, Achievements, Limitations
Speakers: Prof Andrew Silke, University of East London
Dr David Miller, University of Strathclyde
Dr Richard Jackson, University of Manchester
17.00 - 18.00 Small Group Discussions
18.00 - 18.30 Report Back and Plenary
18.45 - 19.45 Buffet Dinner
20.00 - 21.30 Keynote Address
Speaker: Prof Joseba Zulaika, Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno
Respondent: Prof Paddy Hillyard, The Queen' s University, Belfast
Saturday 28 October 2006
09.30 - 10.30 Session 2: Challenges and Opportunities for the Development
of Critical Studies on Terrorism
Speakers: Prof Ken Booth, University of Wales, Aberystwyth TBC
Dr Brendan O' Duffy, Queen Mary, University of London
Dr Jeroen Gunning, CSRV, University of Wales, Aberystwyth
10.30 - 11.00 Refreshments
11.00 - 12.00 Small Group Discussions
12.00 - 12.30 Report Back and Plenary
12.30 - 13.15 Buffet Lunch
13.30 - 14.30 Session 3: Forging a Critical, Policy Relevant Research Agenda:
The Way Forward (Panel Discussion)
Panellists: Mr Robert Lambert, Metropolitan Police Muslim Contact Unit
Mr Fernando Reinares, Senior Anti-Terrorism Advisor to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, Elcano Royal Institute TBC
Dr John Horgan, CSTPV, University of St Andrews
Dr Marie Breen Smyth, CSRV, University of Wales,
Aberystwyth
14.30 - 15.00 Final Plenary Session: Conclusions
15.00 - 15.30 Refreshments
15.30 - 16.30 Official Launch of the BISA Working Group on Critical Studies on Terrorism
Discussion of Group aims, organisation, activities and future events
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