International Conference “THE POWER OF THE POWERLESS”- Call for Abstracts

Call for Abstracts

International Conference

THE POWER OF THE POWERLESS: EXPERIENCES OF FREEDOM AND SOLIDARITY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Date: October 16-17, 2025

Location: Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania

We welcome papers that explore but are not limited to the following topics:

Freedom movements and their impact on political changes in Central and Eastern Europe.
Liberation processes at the end of the 20th century: networks of solidarity and their role. 
Restoration of independence: experiences of Lithuania and other countries of the region. 
Expressions of Solidarity in the Context of the Cold War.
Support for freedom movements from neighbouring countries, communities, and individuals.
Dissemination of ideas of solidarity through culture, art, science, sports, and media.
Youth’s contribution to freedom and solidarity.
Geopolitical challenges and the role of solidarity today.
The War in Ukraine: A Test of Solidarity.
The role of cooperation in ensuring security and stability.
Cultural diplomacy and the cultivation of empathy.
The significance of historical memory in shaping solidarity.
Culture and art projects as a means of solidarity.
Interstate and transnational support and people-to-people connections.
The role of individual initiatives in state-building.
The influence of civil society on strengthening solidarity.
Inspirations and symbols of the spirit of freedom.
Personalities who have become symbols of freedom and solidarity.
Solidarity initiatives and their significance for national identity.

Submission Guidelines
We welcome individual paper and panel proposals from scholars at all career stages by July 14, 2025. Submissions should include:
Author(s) name, affiliation, and contact information
Title of the presentation
Abstract (250-500 words)
Short bio (max. 150 words)

Other information

Format: In-person (exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
Venue: Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, Vilnius, Gediminas Ave. 51.
Conference language: English and Lithuanian
Duration of the presentation: 20 minutes.
Contacts: valstybingumocentras@lnb.lt
No participation or registration fee.
Following the conference, presenters will be invited to submit their articles to the scientific, peer-reviewed journal Relevant Tomorrow.

The Conference is partially funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.

Partners: Office Of The Seimas Of The Republic of Lithuania, The Andrei Sakharov Research Center For Democratic Development at Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius University Institute of International Relations And Political Science, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vilnius, Vilnius University Institute of International Relations And Political Science Students’ Scientific Society, University of Wrocław, Platform of European Memory and Conscience, Václav Havel Library.

Important dates:
Deadline for submissions: July 14, 2025
Notification of acceptance: July 31, 2025
Conference: October 16-17, 2025
Deadline for submitting presentation slides: October 13, 2025
Article submission deadline: March 1, 2026