Historical Small States Studies: State of Research and Perspectives
Burgweg 8
LI 9496 Balzers
HISTORICAL SMALL STATES STUDIES:
STATE OF RESEARCH AND PERSPECTIVES
Conference organised by Stephan Scheuzger, Liechtenstein Institute
In the roughly three-quarters of a century of its existence, small states studies have repeatedly asserted their relevance, but ultimately without leaving the fringes of academic and public attention. In recent years, various developments have led to an increase in the number of voices emphasizing the scientific and political importance of research on small states, with current geopolitical developments adding a sense of urgency to the discussion.
Small states studies constitute an interdisciplinary field of research. Due to its genesis, however, the field has remained strongly shaped by political science, to some extent also by law. It is true that research interests in the field have undergone a certain diversification, especially in the context of the end of the Cold War and the intensification of debates about globalization. Nevertheless, the continuing dominant role of political science and law has inevitably led to a certain thematic narrowing of research. The broadening of research perspectives has eminent scientific potential and promises significant political returns. Historical scholarship has an important role to play in increasing the knowledge potential and consequently the scientific relevance of small states studies through new research approaches.
The conference brings together scholars to examine the current state of historical small states studies and to discuss promising lines of research in the field. The invited guests will discuss their projects and exchange views on the profile of historical small states studies. The perspective is broad both spatially and temporally: it includes research on contexts in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, from the early modern period to recent contemporary history.
Registration
Interested scholars are invited to follow the conference on-line. A Zoom link can be requested at . The registration deadline is October 15.
