1989 is an important date in the history of Central and Eastern Europe. Since the collapse of state socialism this date has become a marker for a break in historical continuity and a starting point for a whole range of research on processes and developments labeled as ‘post-socialist’, in ‘transition’ or ‘transformation’. The point of departure for this multidisciplinary conference is the different processes—economic, social, cultural, political and  ecological—that have been taking place in the area since the collapse of state socialism.  In particular, it seeks to focus on the present, by looking closer at the past and forward to the future.

A striking feature, 25 years after 1989, is the persistent diversity of political systems, cultural norms and social values right across the region. Alongside adaption to EU norms and standards, for example, nationalist, chauvinist and xenophobic sentiments continue to flourish.   Civil society itself has become a major social actor in this period, with different constituencies mobilizing and operating in different ways and toward different ends.  Environmental problems, such as the protection of ecosystems in the Baltic Sea, have become ever more complicated and continue to resist solution.

The overall theme of the conference is to draw attention to contemporary processes and challenges, and to the role of the new generations that have emerged in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea area 25 years after the systemic change.   We seek to shift the emphasis from ‘post-socialist’ development or ‘transition’ as such to a concern with shared experiences and memories of socialism among the new generations.  What changes are to be observed in the social, economic, political, cultural and environmental processes of today’s ‘post-socialist’ societies?  Can we still speak about socialist legacies, and in what way? Is there a generational change underway and what role does the emerging new generation have for the processes studied?

Keynote speakers soon to be announced. Please check on this site.
The organizers welcome proposals for:

• Single papers.
• Panels consisting of 3-4 panelists and one chair (maximum time for individual papers: 20 min).
• Roundtables of 4 to 5 participants (5 minute opening statements from each participant followed by a discussion with the audience).

Prearranged panels are given priority in the planning of the program and receive earlier notification of acceptance. Individual papers will, upon acceptance, be arranged into suitable panels by the organizers.

We welcome contributions from scholars with different disciplinary backgrounds on following topics:

• Kinship.
• Cultural expressions and freedoms of speech.
• Environmental sustainability and survival.
• Geopolitics, international security and political identities.
• Democracy and political development.
• Demographical changes.
• Collective action and social movements.
• Feminism and women’s rights.
• Nature/Culture interfaces.
• Minorities, migration and the Roma.
• Imagining regional futures through prognostication, planning and branding.

Deadline for submission of paper or panel proposals: April 20, 2014.

Please see the CfP here.