XI. Tensions of Europe Conference
European University Viadrina, Frankfurt/Oder, Germany
19 – 21 September 2024
Conference theme: Transformations. Fundamental Change and Technology
Deadline for proposals: 30.11.2023, confirmations 01.03.2024
We live in a world of constant change. There are periods, however, of accelerated change in the political, economic, social or technological sphere. Usually, these spheres are closely interrelated and entangled. If this change is of fundamental character, scientists usually speak of ´transformations´. Common examples are the political and economic system changes, i.e. transformations, in Latin America, Southern Europe or Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the past decades.
The aim of the conference is to shed light on technological, but also political, societal and environmental sides of these transformations in Europe and other regions in past and present. Technology can be a major factor to enhance, slow down or ease such transformations. Processes of circulation and appropriation of knowledge, ideas and artefacts provide a broad field of research to better understand aspects of political, societal or environmental transformations in connection with technology. Special attention can be paid to the following themes: (1) technologies as a driver of political, societal or environmental changes or as an obstacle, (2) technological “revolutions”, transitions and “transformations” and their impact on politics, societies and environment, (3) discourses on (technological) changes, especially with regard to sustainability.
As a part of the conference, there will be held a summer school for early career scholars in the days before the conference. Besides of discussing texts relevant for the current topic, meetings with established researchers as well as an excursion is planned.
We welcome contributions on topics related to these themes as well as on general themes in the history of technology and neighbouring fields of interest to the Tensions of Europe network such as trans-border flows, common resources, conflicting interests, hidden integration and cultural practices. The format of proposals should be as follows: