Dissemination of Call for papers – Summer School on Democratization and Political Transitions in the Arab World: Actors, Challenges and Policy Options for

Call for Papers
*Summer School on Democratization and Political
Transitions in the Arab World: Actors, Challenges and Policy Options** for the EU* (17-19 July 2013).

Summer School on Democratization and Political Transitions in the Arab World: Actors, Challenges and Policy Options for the EU
University of Minho – Braga, 17-19 July 2013

Course aim
By bringing together and contrasting a broad range of approaches, this Summer School intends to increase insights, find new inroads and illuminate the complexity behind the many transitions that are taking place in the Arab world.
The Arab Spring has reinvigorated discussions of democratic change. Thus the question of transitions to, and from, democracy remains a pressing issue in world politics. Understanding the meaning of democracy and the causes of transitions toward and away from democratic path is a major subject of scholarly research and policy practice. The Summer School offers participants a unique opportunity to experience a highly stimulating, intellectual environment by attending lectures, panel debates, working groups and engaging in in-depth debates. Renowned experts, academics as well as practitioners will offer their insights and analysis, and experience joint intellectual and social activities.

Course formats
The Summer School integrates various formats, alternating between panel discussions and working group sessions. As to the working group sessions, four groups will be held: the first dealing with “The Arab Spring: Revolutions or Stalemate?”, the second with “Challenges during Political Transitions and Comparative Lessons for the Middle East and North Africa”; the third with “The Fall of Authoritarianism and the New Actors in the Arab World: The Challenges of Political Inclusion” and the fourth with “A New Mediterranean Democracy Agenda for a New Mediterranean Political Setting”. Every participant is expected to deliver a presentation of 15 minutes (a paper of around 5000 words) during the working group session on one of the four thematic blocs. For the purpose of applying, the candidate should also specify a second thematic bloc that he/she would be willing to address in the presentation. We will decide on the final topic.

Call for papers for working groups
Abstract Submission:

    • All abstracts and papers need to be presented in English by 1 June
      The maximum length of abstracts is 300 words
      Email your abstract as an attachment to: nepasproject@gmail.com

    • Please include the following information in your email:
      Name
      Institutional affiliation and a short CV
      Contact information (including preferred email address)

        Authors whose full abstract has been accepted will be asked to deliver a full paper and register.

        For this purpose the following steps are envisaged:
        1 June 2013: call for papers closes
        01-08 June 2013: review of submitted abstracts and selection by the Scientific Committee
        09 June 2013: communication of results
        15 June 2013: conference registration opens
        July 2013: call for full papers closes
        15 July 2013: announcement of conference programme

          A number of selected papers (conference proceedings) will be published in an E-Book and, possibly, also in hard copy.

          Prospective participants

          We are looking for recent graduates, PhD and master students and young scholars. Applicants should have an academic background in the fields of political and/or social sciences and be interested in the topics outlined in the programme. The Summer School’s participants will be selected on the basis of their academic achievements, relevant civil and political activities, and language proficiency (working language is English). Special emphasis is placed on adequate representation of participants from Arab countries. The NEPAS Summer School will cover the costs of a limited number of students, that is, fees, accommodation, meals and materials. To apply for a scholarship, please send the following documents to Estela Vieira, EEG´s Mobility Officer ((estelav@eeg.uminho.pt):

          – The filled-in application form;
          – A one-page letter of motivation in which you express your motivation and highlight your relevant qualifications;
          – Abstract of your presentation.

          A registration form can be found at the project´s website: http://nepas-project.net/call-for-papers/.

          Course fee
          EUR 120 € – participation fee excluding travel & accommodation costs
          Accommodation
          The University can provide accommodation in the Lloyd Braga´s student residence and off-campus housing.

          Contact

          Please do not hesitate to contact Estela Vieira (estelav@eeg.uminho.pt) or nepasproject@gmail.com, should you have any further questions or concerns.

        Maria C. Pinto(University of Minho – Portugal)
        Profª Associada c/ Agregação/ (Assoc. Prof. with “Agregação”)
        Directora do Departamento de Relações Internacionais e Administração Pública – DRIAP Head of the Department of International Relations and Public Administration Gab. 119
        School of Economics and Management (EEG)
        University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar,
        Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
        Phone: +351 253 604523Fax: +351 253 601380