Call for papers

The 21st Maple Leaf and Eagle Conference will take place at the University of Helsinki from May 20th to May 22nd, 2026. For four decades, the conference has provided a dynamic and inclusive space for cross-disciplinary scholarship on North American Studies, from both the United States and Canada, while addressing a multitude of subjects. The upcoming Maple Leaf and Eagle (MLE) Conference continues this long-standing tradition. MLE Conference 2026 will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in North American Studies at the University of Helsinki, making it a truly special event.  This year’s theme focuses on crises that have occurred, are occurring, and will occur in North America. There are many ways to define “crisis.” Generally, a crisis is an event marked by anticipated or unforeseen threats to, for example, individual, communal, or societal values and goals, leading to uncertainty. We invite contributions that explore the concept of “crisis” from diverse perspectives and viewpoints, ranging from environmental to economic, public to personal, and historical to forthcoming. The emergence of a crisis also calls for solutions. Our conference theme encourages exploration of potential solutions or action plans to address crises in the past, present, or future. The crises and solutions that our conference addresses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Environmental and Natural 
• Cultural and Identity 
• Diplomatic and International Relations 
• Economic and Educational 
• Health and Mental Well-being 
• Human Rights and Social Issues 
• Migration and Regional Dynamics 
• Political and Public Affairs 
• Historical and Local Contexts 
• Technological and Material