Call For Papers: Nordic Africa Days 2014 Conference

Apr 9, 2014 | Nordic Africa Institute
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The Nordic Africa Days 2014 has a thematic focus on different assumptions of governance. It cuts across research topics covering most African developments and processes, including, but not restricted to, conflict, security and democratic transformations; rural and agrarian changes, properties and resources; urban dynamics; and African international links in the global world. It is thus clearly multidisciplinary. This theme goes beyond the common reading of governance in political science or international relations. It aims to connect the formal state with other non-state forms of governance. Often, the state is discussed as an evil entity preying on its ethical citizens. Citizens are then described as the victims of state power. But are states not run by the same people that, looking at it from the opposite angle, are viewed as victims?

PhD candidates and other young scholars are strongly encouraged to participate in the conference. The conference aims to be a forum for academic exchange and intellectual development, where contributions from a new generation of researchers are important and welcome. The conference also provides a venue for dialogue between Africa specialists within academic and policy arenas.

Call for Papers

The conference is particularly inviting papers discussing governance in different ways. Papers should not just be looking at the state structures and sub-national government levels, but also at the formulation and governance in alternative structures such as ethnic and religious groups and socio-economic networks, which may at times compete and at times cooperate with state orchestrated governance. Contributions focusing on measuring and assessing governance and discussing criteria for governance and leadership are also especially encouraged.

Submission of Paper Proposals
In the list of panels descriptions of the panels which have been accepted for the conference are found as well as contact details of panel organisers. For questions on panel content please contact the panel organisers directly. Paper proposals linked to the topics of the existing panels are primarily invited. There will however be a few thematically open panels so proposals within other subjects are also welcome.

Paper abstracts should include a description of the topic not exceeding 300 words, name, affiliation and contact details of the author. Indicate in your submission for which panel you are submitting your proposal. A person can only propose one paper for the conference.

Paper proposals should be submitted to nad2014@nai.uu.se no later than 15 May 2014.

Authors will be notified on acceptance by early June.