Conference: Challenges for the Integration of Europe: Peripheral Perspectives, Mostar, 29-31 July 2012‏

THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON

UNITY AND PLURALITY IN EUROPE



29th to 31st July, 2012

Mostar, Hotel Bristol #



International Forum Bosnia, in cooperation with and with support from a number of other organisations from Bosnia and abroad, will be hosting the Seventh International Conference on Unity and Plurality in Europe on the theme of Challenges for the Integration of Europe: Peripheral Perspectives. The conference will be held in Mostar, from the 29th to 31st July, 2012.

The programme for the international conference will cover three thematic areas 1) Religion, Identity, and Society, 2) Centre and Periphery in Cultural, Social, Political and Economic Life, and 3) Europe’s Internal and External Others. Each panel will involve a number of individual presentations on appropriate themes, followed by general discussion.

A section of the program will be open to the general public, with three public discussions on related themes:

1. “Yet Another Abraham”, guest speaker Gil Anidjar (29th July, at 21:15).

2. “Nationalism and the Future of the Balkan Countries”, guest speakers Ivo Banac, Sonja Biserko and Rusmir Mahmutćehajić (30th July, at 21:15).

3. “Libya and Europe”, guest speaker Aref Ali Nayed (31st July, at 18:00).



There will also be a public performance of traditional Bosnian love songs (Sevdalinka) by Amira Medunjanin and Boško Jović (31st July, at 21:15).

The conference will be in English, with consecutive translation during public lectures.

All details are available at the www.ifbosna.org.ba

Alma Mrgan‐Slipičević Project Coordinator

Visiting Fellows: Centre for Southeast European Studies, University of Graz

The Centre for Southeast European Studies of the University of Graz is currently accepting expressions of interest for Visiting Fellows during the academic year 2012-3. The Centre provides for research facilities for researchers, including a working place and access to the library and full participation in the acitivities of the center for a period between 1 and 6 months. Visiting fellows are expected to present their research in a research seminar and to contribute a working paper to the centre’s working paper series.

The Centre does not provide financial assistance, but is glad to provide support for scholarship programs for visiting scholars, including the Ernst Mach Scholarship (http://www.oead.at/mach).



Please submit a CV, a 1 page letter of motivation, including the research topic and length and time planned in German or English by February 10th to Beate Hainschek (<beate.hainschek@uni-graz.at>). We welcome applications from advanced doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers. For informal inquiries contact Florian Bieber (florian.bieber@uni-graz.at).

Conference: lbania in the next ten years - envisioning the future, Tirana, 29-30 March 2012‏

Albania has just entered its 100th year of existence as an independent state, since the declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in November of 1912. The century of existence of Albania has had a rich and diverse history.

The next ten years will be crucially important to Albania’s future and its prospects to establish democratic governance and to consolidate a functioning state. They will be critical to the country’s capacity to build a developed capitalist economy based on free competition. Such a development process is in essence Albania’s Europeanization project.

On the occasion of the 100th year of existence of the independent Albanian state, the Albanian Institute for International Studies, the Albanian Media Institute and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Albania will organize an international symposium:
‘Albania in the next ten years – envisioning the future’



The event will take place in Tirana on the 29th and 30th of March, 2012. It will gather scholars and researchers of different fields of expertise.



The organizers would like to seek your contributions in the area of your interest/expertise.



Topics include but are not limited to:

Important historical phases of the existence of the Albanian state, - The objective is discerning patterns of development in Albanian state and society which help to foresee the challenges of the future.



Future scenarios for Albania, -Panellists will be encouraged to treat a rich spectre of variables in determining hypothetic future placements of the Albanian state and society and elaborate on potential challenges that the country is likely to face.





Participation related expenses will be covered by the organizers. Selected papers will be published in English and Albanian in a dedicated symposium volume.



Please send your expression of interest and /or abstracts to conference secretariat:

mllubani@aiis-albania.org

Conference: Panel, Ottoman Inter-Confessional Dialectics in the 19th and early 20th Centuries, MESA Annual Conference, Denver, 17-20 November 2012‏

Call for Papers: “Ottoman Inter-Confessional Dialectics in the 19th and early 20th Centuries”



A panel proposed for the 2012 MESA Annual Conference in Denver, CO, November 17-20.



Organizer: Scott Rank, Ph.D. Candidate, Central European University, Department of History



Deadline: February 1, 2012



This is a call for papers for a pre-organized MESA panel concerning Ottoman inter-confessional relations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The historiography of this phenomenon has traditionally followed one of two tracks. The first track examined inter-confessional relations through the 1839 and 1856 reform edicts that promised non-Muslims security of their rights and property. The Islamic empire’s trajectory aimed at secularization and universal liberty; however, Abdülhamit II jettisoned these efforts following his 1876 ascension. The second track depicted inter-confessional relations in a state of hostile acrimony, in which outside actors such as European diplomats and Protestant missionaries empowered Ottoman Christians at a time when nationalist movements threatened to break apart the Empire. In recent years historians have moved away from this binary model and explored the zones of contact between Ottoman confessional groups in the political, economic, and judicial arenas.



Yet essentialized understandings of these actors linger within historical studies. Due to an over-reliance on state administrative sources, accounts of this period still allow the view from Istanbul to sharply delineate the categories of orthodox/heterodox and Muslim/Christian. Muslim beliefs that fell outside of the state discourse of Sunni-Hanefi Islamic “orthodoxy” receive the blanket term “heterodox,” despite a variety of belief falling into the latter category. Likewise, the labels of Muslim and Christian apply clumsily to groups such as the highly syncretistic Yezidis, whom religious leaders on both sides rarely claimed as their own. And even “orthodox” Muslims at this time were not hesitant to borrow liberally from non-Muslim intellectual movements, even if their purposes were such ostensibly pious acts as writing anti-Christian religious polemics.



This panel will explore the complicated issue of Ottoman inter-confessional relations and problematize the concepts of official discourses of belief; alternate programs of modernity disputed among (but not limited to) secularists, Muslim intellectuals, non-Muslim leaders, and Protestant missionaries; and contested notions of heterodoxy and orthodoxy. In order to do so it will reject essentialized categories created at the state-administrative level that could apply arbitrarily and even incorrectly to the provinces. Instead, it will examine how inter-confessional encounters were not necessarily antagonistic but could have reciprocal effects that produced hybrid identities. Furthermore, it will make use of sources that provide alternate accounts of these encounters, such as writings by local literati, missionary sources, regional administrative accounts of heterodox groups, and European diplomatic sources. It will also consider the influence of environmental factors in shaping confessional identity.



Please submit an abstract of your proposed paper, your contact information, and your CV to Scott Rank at rank_scott@ceu-budapest.edu by February 1, 2012. Decisions and acceptance notifications will be sent out by February 10, 2012.



Below are the paper abstract guidelines for the 2012 MESA Conference. Potential contributors should adhere to these guidelines to ensure the acceptance of this panel to the MESA review committee.



“The abstract should be 300-400 words, typewritten and single-spaced. The name of the author cannot appear in the abstract. If it does, the proposal automatically will be disqualified. The program committee will be looking for abstracts that are scholarly, with a strong, focused statement of thesis or significance, clear goals and methodology, well-organized research data, specified sources, and convincing, coherent conclusions.”





Scott Rank (rank_scott@ceu-budapest.edu) Ph.D. Candidate, Central European University Department of History, Nádor utca 9

1051 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 06-705-376-139Email: rank_scott@ceu-budapest.edu

Conference: 2012 Jean Monnet International Seminar "Ukraine-EU Cooperation in Crisis Management and Disaster Risk Reduction", Kiev, 7-12 May 2012‏

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR INSTITUTIONAL STUDIES

in partnership with

University of Birmingham, UK

Harvard Black Sea Security Program, Harvard University, USA

European Security Journal, Routledge

and financial support of Jean Monnet Program, European Commission

invite you to take part in 2012 Jean Monnet International Seminar

UKRAINE-EU COOPERATION IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND DISASTER RISK
REDUCTION: SHARING BEST PRACTICES,
BUILDING EFFECTIVE CAPABILITIES

Cooperation in crisis management and disaster risk reduction (natural,
man-made disasters, terrorism, conflict and conflict-related
emergencies) is a priority and thematic platform of the Eastern
Partnership and an important sphere of cooperation between Ukraine and
the EU within the Ukraine-EU Action Plan, but it is an almost completely
neglected topic in the academic cur-ricula on EU/European
integration/security studies in Ukraine and other countries of the
Eastern Partnership. Similarly, very little research has been carried
out on diplomatic and politi-cal/institutional aspects of this subject,
which further diminishes the prospects of high-quality modules and
courses and effective education and training of current and future
academics and professionals working in this area. By organising a
workshop bringing together national and inter-national experts from a
variety of professional backgrounds with young scholars and advanced
postgraduate students and publishing the proceedings of the event, a
contribution will be made to improving the breadth and depth of higher
education provision in the area, a Ukraine-based sub-ject-specific
expert network will be established and consolidated, and interaction
between profes-sionals in the area with academics will be enhanced to
enable better-informed, evidence-based practice of effective and
efficient crisis management and disaster risk reduction in Ukraine, the
Eastern Neighbourhood and the EU.
The programme will be divided into 5 modules:

Module 1. Crisis Management of the European Union
Prof. Stefan Wolff, University of Birmingham, UK

Module 2. Organizational Overlap and Crisis Management
Dr. David Galbreath, University of Bath, UK

Module 3. Cooperative Mechanisms for Nuclear Counterterrorism in the
Wider Black Sea Region
Dr. Sergei Konoplyov, Harvard University, USA

Module 4. Sociology of conflicts, crises and catastrophes
Prof. Anton Oleinik, Memorial University, Canada

Module 5. The Early Warning and Crisis Prevention Mechanisms
Prof. Tetyana Malyarenko, Donetsk State University of Management

Program of Seminar

9.00 – 14.00 Lectures
15.00 – 19.00 Presentations of case studies and research projects of
the participants

ENGLISH WILL BE THE WORKING LANGUAGE OF THE SEMINAR

To apply, please submit the following:

A) A short CV and letter of motivation should be submitted via e-mail
(application2012JeanMonnet@gmail.com) by 18 March 2012.
B) A registration fee of €20 will be payable by accepted
participants to contribute to-wards costs for course materials,
coffee-breaks and lunches during the seminar days.

Venue

The seminar will be held at Hotel Puscha Ozerna, Kiev,
Ukraine (www.ozerna.com.ua). Accepted participants will have to
contact the hotel administration regarding their accom-modation
requirements. The cost of accommodation with breakfast will be around €
25-30 per person per night.

Scholarships

A limited number of merit-based scholarships covering accommodation and
board for the entire seminar (7-12 May 2012; twin room, breakfast and
lunch) will be available for PhD students and early career researchers.
If you wish to apply for scholarship, please attach case study on one of
the main thematic areas of the seminar to your application.

Requirements for case studies

Case studies in English of innovative teaching materials, based on the
results of applicant’s re-search, should be no longer than 5,000 words,
including references. They should be structured as follows:
introduction, the essential question to be discussed and a description
of the problem to be analyzed and the key factors that contributes to
the problem; background of the situation; narrative description of
the situation, including important factors and events; key
parties: descriptive analysis of the key parties and their
motivations and objectives; results; conclusion: lessons learned.

Thematic priority areas for case studies

1) Cooperation between Ukraine and EU member states in crisis
management and disaster risk reduction;
2) Cooperative preventive mechanisms for nuclear counterterrorism;
3) Humanitarian interventions;
4) Use of ICT-based learning in teaching of crisis management and
European security.

Author of selected case studies will be asked to present the results of
their findings. The selected case studies will be published in special
volume of the seminar.

Contacts:

International Association for Institutional Studies

Postal address:
Artema 58 Donetsk 83000 Ukraine
Head of the Association – Prof. Vyacheslav Dementyev
Executive director of the Association, academic coordinator of Jean
Monnet Project
Prof. Tetyana Malyarenko
e-mail: Tetyana@correo.ugr.es
Project Manager (administrative questions)
Mrs. Ermolaeva Natalya +38 (095) 879 34 83
E-mail for questions and applications:
application2012JeanMonnet@gmail.com
Project web-site: http://ainstud.at.ua

Job: Consultant for Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study of Possible Models of National Human Rights Institution in Macedonia (DL: 25 January 2012)‏

Consultant for Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study of

Possible Models of National Human Rights Institution in Macedonia







CRPRC Studiorum is Skopje-based think tank with principle areas of work organized in three programmes: public health, human rights and new media. Over the last several years, CRPRC Studiorum has developed rigorous analysis agenda so to ensure that the advocacy recommendations in its areas of work are based on reliable data and realistic evidence.





CRPRC Studiorum is issuing a Call for expressions of interest in order to obtain applications for the Economic Analyst consultancy position.







The expert’s duties will be to produce an Economic Analysis and Feasiblity Study of Possible Models of National Human Rights Institution for Macedonia, designed and modeled by a group of policy and legal in-house experts.





Macedonia does not have a National Human Rights Institution in accordance with the international standards. Its current institutional human rights promotion and protection framework has both an overlap and gaps of competences, with which, according to the international human rights standards, a NHRI must be tasked. Accordingly, CRPRC Studiorum, under the grant of the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, USA, and within the project Solving an Institutional Puzzle: What National Human Rights Institution Model for Macedonia, will model the most suitable National Human Rights Institution/s given the economic, political and policy specificities of the country.









1. General



1.1. INTRODUCTION. This document defines the scope of work for the expert’s assistance to CRPRC Studiorum so to design economically most feasible National Human Rights Institution model/s.

1.2. DURATION. The duration of the assignment in working hours shall be as needed so to prepare the analysis over a two-month period (1 February to 01 April 2012).



2. Deliverables


ASSIGNMENT. The overall objective of the assignment is the preparation of the proposed Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study of Models of National Human Rights Institution for Macedonia, to the point in which it can be proposed and presented to diverse set of stakeholders for further discussion and advocacy campaign. For the purpose, the consultant will provide:

2.1. An Economic Analysis of the Possible Models of National Human Rights Institution for Macedonia prepared according to the international human rights standards and best world practices. This report should address all economic issues associated with the functioning of the proposed models including state budget acceptability and adequacy.

2.2. A final economic feasibility report with fiscal implications, confirming the (non)feasibility and strengths or weaknesses of the proposed models of national human rights institution.

2.3. Budget design and financial implementation plan, proposing financial structure for the feasible and adequate models of national human rights institution.

2.4. Assist the stakeholders’ group in preparing and disseminating final policy paper on Models of National Human Rights Institution for Macedonia.



3. Other Required Skills and Competences



· Demonstrate reliability;

· Demonstrate cultural, gender, ethnic and age sensitivity;

· If necessary, ability to work in a team; strong interpersonal and communication skills;

· Results-oriented: plans and produces quality results to meet established goals of the research project; Ability to organize the approach in terms of the analytic/research process and to produce a well-structured output;

· Openness to modifications and ability to both receive and integrate feedback, and to accept additional responsibilities as required by the demands of the research;

· Ability to work under tight dead-lines and pressure;

· Ability to work with minimum supervision;

· Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities;

· Fluency in spoken and written English is a must, with academic and policy English language proficiency.



CRPRS Studiorum is committed to social justice and equality, and therefore seeks to achieve diversity in its workforce in terms of gender, culture or any social identities.

Qualified women and members of minorities are equally encouraged to apply. Due to the large number of applications we get, we are only able to notify the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection procedure.

Qualified candidates are requested to apply via e-mail to office@studiorum.org.mk with subject line: Economic Consultancy.



On their application package, applicants must provide evidence that they possess the necessary skills and professional experience relating to the vacant consultancy position.



The application package should include:



- A brief cover letter

- Up-dated CV

- Short sample of similar work

- Financial Proposal (The consultant's offer will not be greater than USD 2,500 and will include all costs and personal taxes. In the offer, the consultant must specify a justification and validity of the offer.)



The deadline for submission of applications is 25 January 2012.

Job: Research Director, Committee on Conscience, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum‏

Research Director, Committee on Conscience


United States Holocaust Memorial Museum





The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history, and serves as this country's memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust. The Museum's primary mission is to advance and disseminate knowledge about this unprecedented tragedy; to preserve the memory of those who suffered; and to encourage its visitors to reflect upon the moral and spiritual questions raised by the events of the Holocaust as well as their own responsibilities as citizens of a democracy.





The Committee on Conscience (CoC), the genocide prevention program of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, seeks a Research Director. The director will be responsible for conceiving and implementing a research program that will advance the strategic goals of the CoC, especially shaping and nurturing the emerging field of genocide prevention.





Duties and Responsibilities





Working closely with the Director of the Committee on Conscience, CoC staff, Museum colleagues and outside experts, the research director will:





● Conceptualize and develop a research agenda for the CoC on issues of contemporary genocide and their relation to the Holocaust, oversee the research activities of the COC, and manage a team of staff and interns.





● Assemble information and analysis on places at risk of genocide and other subjects of interest to the Committee: for example early warning signs, analyses of past genocides, and international justice.





● Develop, build and manage a fellowship program at the Committee on Conscience. The research director will work closely with the director of the CoC to conceptualize and implement a program to bring experts and practitioners to the Museum as short or long-term fellows in a range of areas related to genocide prevention.





● Organize specialized seminars and conferences that bring together leading thinkers in the field to advance the CoC agenda and help the Museum play a leadership role in the field.





● Provide expert guidance and advice to the CoC, its board and other offices of the Museum on issues of contemporary genocide. This might include providing content on genocide prevention for course development, training programs, digital education and exhibitions.





● Write and speak about genocide and related crimes against humanity to the public, experts and Museum supporters, and provide content, as needed, for the Museum website, online channels and publications.





● Assist CoC director in fundraising, including stewarding donors.





Requirements





• Expert on issues of genocide and other mass atrocities, with some specialized knowledge in areas pertaining to the work of the Committee, such as places where mass atrocities have occurred or are threatened, international law pertaining to genocide, and/or government efforts to halt or prevent genocides.





• Excellent writer, researcher and analyst.





• Strong verbal communication skills.





• Outstanding interpersonal skills. Ability to work with a wide range of colleagues, experts and members of a presidentially appointed board.





• Demonstrated ability to forge strong working relationships with government officials, non-governmental institutions, universities, think tanks and other groups.





• Management experience is a plus.





• Advanced degree, in particular a Ph.D. or law degree is a plus.








Salary commensurate with experience.





EEO Policy Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor





Interested applicants should send resume to Amanda Rooney, executive assistant, at arooney@ushmm.org










Emil Kerenji, Ph.D. Applied Research Scholar 202.488.0442

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW Washington DC 20024-2126

Fax 202.479.9726

www.ushmm.org