CALL FOR PAPERS: Justice’ and ‘Legality in Imperial and Post-Imperial Spaces (Tbilisi, Georgia, 1-3 May 2025) [DEADLINE 31 January 2025]

This three-day conference will focus on the struggles of ethnic and religious minorities within the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, its successor states, and neighboring regions such as West Asia and South Asia. Scholars are invited to explore how these minorities invoked the concepts of ‘justice’ and ‘legality’ to challenge authority and further their rights, from the mid-19th century to the present day.

Key Themes and Questions

• How did elites and ordinary people conceptualize ‘rule of law,’ ‘justice,’ and ‘legality’ in their sociopolitical contexts?
• In what ways did ethnic and religious minorities utilize these concepts in their appeals to authority? What were their goals, and what outcomes did they achieve?
• How did minorities navigate legal and political systems under imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet regimes?

This event will also address the roles of minorities within political and cultural elites, such as imperial lawyers, judges, and party officials, as well as activists and ordinary citizens.

Submission Guidelines

Language of Presentations: English, French, or Russian

Proposals:
Submit a CV and an abstract (max 500 words) detailing your research methodology to Maija.Susarina@zmo.de by 31 January 2025.

Acknowledgment and Notification:
Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt and a decision on their participation within 4 weeks.

Practical Information

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (Proposed Venue: Ilia State University, 3/5 K. Cholokashvili Ave., F Building, Office F.404)
Dates: 1-3 May 2025

Please note: Due to the current political situation in Georgia, the venue may be relocated to Armenia or Turkey. Confirmation will be provided by the end of February.

Funding: Limited travel grants (transport and accommodation) are available, with priority for PhD students and regional scholars.

Publication: Selected conference papers, upon revision, will be included in a special issue or edited volume.

For more details, contact: Maija.Susarina@zmo.de

Source: Connections. A Journal for Historians and Area Specialists

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a rich interdisciplinary dialogue on justice, legality, and minority rights in historical and post-imperial contexts!