CfA: Third UPTAKE PhD Training School in Brussels

Call for Applications

PhD Training School
 Dividing Lines in Wider Europe:
Political and security challenges three decades after the fall of the Iron Curtain 

9-13 January 2018
Brussels School of International Studies, University of Kent

Within the framework of the H2020 UPTAKE Project, we are happy to announce a Call for Applications for the third UPTAKE PhD Training School, to be held from 9 to 13 January 2018 at the Brussels School of International Studies, University of Kent, Brussels (Belgium). Its main objective is to offer an opportunity for research development, training and exchange of ideas for PhD and Postdoctoral students working in the field of Russian and East European Studies.

The theme of the Training School is to take stock of the various developments of almost three decades since the division of Europe came presumably to an end when, in 1989, the Iron Curtain was no longer. Yet, the optimism that accompanied this collapse has long vanished. Changing (geo-) political realities in the shared neighbourhood since then have highlighted the potential for different understandings of common problems to an extent where the EU and Russia have clashed over Ukraine and now find themselves in a stalemate of confrontation, with few visions about the future of their relations and of pan-European security.

Moreover, the situation of countries in their common neighbourhood is all but certain with a litany of other external actors pursuing their agendas in this space. At the same time divisive issues have arisen within the EU, over migration, economic governance and the rule of law. Does this imply, as some analysts suggest, that old and new(er) member states within the EU are drifting apart? And how may these internal issues impact on the EU’s global role?

This Training School invites papers

  • reflecting on the political and security situation and current challenges in wider Europe;
  • studying the dividing lines between (not limited to) East and West in wider Europe, as well as changing power relations;
  • analysing post-communist transformations (both domestic and international);
  • exploring issues of identity in relations between East and West in wider Europe.

The approach of the Training School is interdisciplinary.

Format

  • Extended paper presentations by participants & in-depth feedback;
  • In-depth discussion sessions over common themes, linking different papers;
  • Presentations by and discussions with high-level representatives of EU institutions and various Brussels-based diplomats;
  • Presentations by experts in the field.

Places are limited, with a maximum of 20 participants. Participation from Kent, Tartu and Uppsala Universities is funded by the UPTAKE project, subject to the eligibility criteria. Funding includes travel, accommodation and food in Brussels. External participation is strongly encouraged. External participants will need to secure funding and accommodation by themselves.

In order to apply, please fill in the application form below, including a brief abstract of 150 to 200 words, and return it to Camilla Edemann Callesen until Wednesday 1st November 2017 via ce259@kent.ac.uk and include “UPTAKE TS BSIS 2018” in the subject line.

Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by mid-November. The deadline for paper submissions will be 22 December 2017 to ensure in-depth discussions and a guaranteed place at the Training School.

Application Form
Call for Applications

For more questions, please turn to Camilla Edemann Callesen, ce259@kent.ac.uk.