Conference: May 1 & 2, 2009
Partition Violence
Description
The focus of this conference is on explaining the macro- and micro-dynamics of partition violence from a variety of empirical and theoretical perspectives. What accounts for variation in violence? Does partition “solve” ethnic conflicts or create terrible security dilemmas which worsen the likelihood of violence? Why does violence vary so much over time and place?
We have assembled a talented international group of panelists, who offer a variety of disciplinary, empirical and theoretical perspectives on the causes of violence. We hope the conference will be fun, and that we will learn a lot from each other.
With one or two exceptions, the format will focus on discussion, rather than presentations, with panelists expected to have read each other’s papers. Paper writers will however be expected to spend 5- 10 minutes each at the beginning of each session briefly framing their papers and highlighting areas where they feel they would like comments or they are still working through problems, as well as highlighting connections to the other papers they have read.
The Partition Violence conference is open to University of Chicago faculty, staff, students and COSAS affiliates — preregistration is required (available online soon). Guests from outside the university may also submit a registration request, and will be informed by email if there is space available.