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Call for Papers
Theme: Traditional Governance and Indigenous Peoples
Type: International Workshop
Institution: University of Konstanz
Location: Konstanz (Germany)
Date: 15.–17.6.2016
Deadline: 1.12.2015
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In many states, ethnic groups and indigenous communities organize
collective decision-making, service provision and jurisdiction
according to traditional rules of governance. Traditional governance
entails, for example, the selection of chiefs and elders, or rules
and procedures for decision-making, customary law and dispute
settlement, land allocation, marriage, and inheritance. These
contemporary traditional forms of governance co-exist with political
actors, as well as the institutions and laws of the state. There is
great regional variation, however: while large shares of the
population recognize and apply traditional forms of governance in
sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia or Latin America, traditional or
indigenous governance is practiced by minorities in North America or
Australia.
In the workshop, we will explore ongoing empirical research on
contemporary traditional governance, indigenous institutions, and
related political and socio-economic consequences. Participants will
have the opportunity to discuss their work extensively in a small
group of 25 to 35 colleagues.
Workshop themes
We plan to structure the workshop according to three themes. Please
keep in mind that these themes are subject to change depending on the
received proposals. Proposals on other topics related to contemporary
traditional governance are also most welcome. The workshop is open to
scholars from across the social sciences.
- Democracy and legal status
Under this theme, we invite papers with a focus on how traditional
governance relates to democratic institutions and state
administrations. Scholars might e.g. study the attitudes of
populations towards traditional governance and democracy, the
political participation of indigenous groups, the effects of
traditional governance structures on electoral outcomes, the
relationship of political candidates and indigenous leaders, or
analyze and compare traditional actors and state representatives with
respect to levels of accountability or approaches to representation.
Furthermore, analyses of federal reforms and decentralization
involving traditional institutions, or works on constitutional
frameworks and legal pluralism, and the integration of customary law
may be presented.
- Development and public goods and services
Under this theme, contributions may concentrate on how traditional
governance affects socio-economic development on the local, regional,
and national level. Studies might e.g. tackle questions of public
goods provision by traditional authorities, or analyze the
relationship of NGOs or aid organizations with structures of
traditional governance. We also welcome analyses of traditional forms
of land administration, natural resource governance, or social
protection, and related effects on the well-being of traditionally
governed communities.
- Peace, security and dispute resolution
Under this theme, scholars may present their work on how traditional
governance relates to levels of internal peace and conflict on the
sub-national or national level. For instance, these works may focus
on how civil war and ethnic conflict interrelate with existing
institutions of traditional governance, or how traditional
institutions contribute to security, public order, and criminal
justice. Further, papers may examine and compare the role of
traditional governance in post-conflict environments and
state-building, e.g. with an emphasis on traditional forms of dispute
resolution.
How to apply
Paper proposals will be accepted for one of two formats:
Format 1: Panel presentations of approximately 20 minutes per
participant
Format 2: Poster session presentations.
To apply, please send your name(s), affiliation, paper title, and
abstract (about 200 words) outlining your research to Mr. Florian G.
Kern (florian.k...@uni-konstanz.de) by December 1, 2015. Papers will
be accepted – either for presentation or for the poster session –
until January 10, 2016.
Location and reimbursement
The workshop will be held in the premises of the University of
Konstanz overlooking beautiful Lake Constance. The most convenient
way to reach Konstanz is via the international airport of Zurich,
Switzerland, which serves many direct flights from across the globe.
About one hour of train ride will bring you directly from the airport
to the city of Konstanz where your hotel is located.
Reimbursement for contributors includes travel expenses (economy
airfare and 2nd class train ride) and hotel accommodation for up to
three nights.
Please consult the workshop website for further information:
http://www.tradgov-workshop.uni-konstanz.de
Contact:
Mr. Florian G. Kern, Junior Research Fellow
Chair of International Relations and Conflict Management
Department of Politics and Public Administration
University of Konstanz
P.O. Box 90
D-78457 Konstanz
Germany
Email: florian.k...@uni-konstanz.de
Web: http://www.tradgov-workshop.uni-konstanz.de
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