International Conference
“Keep your friends close – and your rivals even closer.” Nelson Mandela
14 – 16 June 2012
University of Pécs, Hungary
CALL FOR PAPERS
The Africa Research Centre of the Department of Political Studies, University of Pécs, in co-operation with Hungary’s Africa Studies journal (Afrika Tanulmányok) will host its second international interdisciplinary conference on Africa and Africa-related research.
Africa has been on the rise in a number of different ways: the continent and many of its states have a growing weight in the transnational global politico-economic arena of today. According to recent surveys, up until 2030 the African continent will keep a strong annual growth rate of around 6-7%, parallel to which, it will continue stabilising its political frameworks and processes, therefore, will be able to transmit a new “image”, which is inevitable for any long-term investment and development at large. Among the most intriguing issues we find the changing African cities, which have a substantial influence on the changing social and physical environment, as well as the transforming dichotomy between urban and rural areas, traditions and human relations; the growing middle class across the continent, which will have the strength to support and/or drive fundamental changes in their societies in the long run; or the new type of competition among actors with historic ties with Africans, and other, sometimes more dynamic and pragmatic entities of the semi-peripheries of the Global South. In light of all these it is time to further discuss the relations of African states with global key actors, the development of regional organisations, the future of the African Union, etc.
APPLICATION
The working language ofthe conference will be English. Scholars of all levels are encouraged to apply. Please, submit an abstract (max. 300 words) along with your name, affiliation (institution) and e-mail address to tarrosy@publikon.hu until midnight 15 March 2012.
