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Deadline for applications: October 1, 2008

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CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

Central Asian Regional Seminar Re-Thinking Politics in Central Asia: Comparative Studies, October 30-November 1, 2008, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan


Corporate Educational Foundation "Bilim-Central Asia"

Central Asian Resource Center

With the Support of Higher Education Support Program and Special and
Extension Projects Office of the Central European University

Invites scholars who are teaching political science and international relations as well as all interested persons and researchers to take part in


Central Asian Regional Seminar Re-Thinking Politics in Central Asia: Comparative Studies
 
Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, American University in Central Asia
Time: October 30-November 1, 2008
Participants: 30 university level teaching scholars from Central Asian states
 
This workshop aims to examine political theories and their implications for the analysis of Central Asian politics in comparative perspectives and to explore the theoretical foundations of research in the field of regional politics, as well as the evolution of Central Asian politics at the global arena.
Special attention will be given to such issues as social capital, contemporary bureaucracy, decision making process and identified national interests.
Social capital is a concept that refers to connections within and between social networks and is a key component to building and maintaining democracy.
 
Concept of social capital is widely used in western political science (Robert Putnam, Pierre Bourdieu, James Coleman), and it might be useful to analyze the Central Asian societies through the prism of these concept. The application of this concept could clarify local communities and social networks in these societies. How individual benefits can derive from the web of social relations? What kind of relationship among local communities and bureaucracies has been established in recent years in Central Asia? Are these relations based on mutual trust?  Who are involved into decision making process? How bureaucracy identifies the national interests and formulates the politics? Are there public debates on identification of contemporary social problems and attempts to solve them trough common social efforts?   
 
These practical issues require re-examination of political theories and its application to Central Asian politics. Which theoretical approaches are more relevant and useful to our understanding of politics, how can we conceptualize the meaning of political reforms and developments in contemporary societies, and what theories are more appropriate for political science research in Central Asia?

This seminar is organized to provide the opportunity for the exchange and discussion of
ideas relevant to these theoretical concerns and their methodological implications for democratization and policy studies. Special attention will be given to research techniques and teaching political theories at local universities.

Travel costs, board and lodging are covered for Central Asian participants.
To apply, please send a CV and a letter of interest to the e-mail or postal
address below.  All applications should arrive no later than October 1, 2008.

For inquiries, or application forms, please contact:

Galina Bityukova
Academic Leader in Political Science
Central Asian Resource Centre
Tulebaeva 31,  050004
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Tel/fax:  +7-727 259 76 18 
E-mail: gbityukova@bilim.kz


Contact person: Galina Bityukova, tel.: 7 (727) 259 76 18