International Conference, Tbilisi, 5-6 March 2026
Organizers: Jan Arend (LMU München), Moritz Florin (MWNO Tbilisi), Walter Sperling (MWNO Vilnius)
Submission deadline: 10 November 2025
The proposed workshop aims to examine forms of violence, specifically focusing on how violence and trauma were narrativized and/or silenced. Instead of focusing on political decision-makers, the workshop encourages a view from below, focusing on socially marginalised groups, criminals, demobilised soldiers, and so-called brokers of violence. Instead of asking what caused the violence – the plausible, but also unsatisfying answer would highlight state and economic collapse – the conference will focus on descriptions of the dynamics, interactions and representation of violence, non-violence, and peace-making. Of particular interest are the gendered subtexts of violence and nonviolence, alongside the frequent ethnic and racial framing of these narratives. Given that archives are often not (yet) accessible, alternative sources are especially valuable. These sources include diaries, oral histories, memoirs, the mass-circulation press, personal collections of photographs, films, and paraphernalia from the period. If accessible, the archives of NGO’s, peace-keeping missions, and international agencies such as the Red Cross may also be relevant.
This workshop is part of series of events on the period of perestroika, transformation and post-socialism organized by the Max Weber Network Eastern Europe. A second event in Helsinki will focus on the consequences of Soviet military withdrawal from Eastern Europe.
We invite scholars on all career stages and working on histories of violence in late and post-socialist countries to apply. The organizers will cover costs for travel (airfare up to a maximum amount) and accommodation.
Deadline for submissions is November 10, 2025. Applicants will be informed about our decision and further details until the end of November.
Proposals should be a single PDF-file, including name, affiliation, title of the presentation, and abstract (up to 300 words), as well as a short biographical note.
You can find the full CfP here.
Please send your proposals to info(at)mws-georgia.org.