The Nordics are often assumed to pursue similar foreign policies and are regularly categorized as ‘middle powers’ or ‘like-minded nations’ in the international sphere. An important part of this image is the participation of civil society actors, such as voluntary associations or NGOs, who play a significant role in Nordic international engagement. However, is there such a thing as a Nordic view of the world? If there is, what is the place of the Nordics in this image, and how does it affect the Nordic countries’ role internationally?
The workshop 'A Nordic worldview? The Nordics in the world' aims to explore new research ideas and build and extend networks of scholars of Nordic international engagement, looking beyond the traditional focus on the state as a main actor, and beyond the familiar national and regional narratives. Encouraging study of civil societies’ international engagement, we question the idea of a ‘Nordic worldview’, i.e. a shared understanding of the world and the Nordics’ place within it, and in turn how such an idea affects the Nordic countries in an increasingly globalized system. The topic thus encompasses national, regional and global levels of analysis, and encourages the inclusion of transnational perspectives in the debate. After the workshop, we intend to publish the selected papers as a special journal issue.
We welcome papers relating to Nordic worldviews and Nordic international engagement. The submissions may, for example, address the topics of:
- Developmental co-operation
- Transnational networks of activism
- Nordic multinational companies in partnership with civil society actors
- Nordic transnational environmentalist activism
- Green internationalism more generally
The workshop will take place at Lysebu Hotel in Oslo, May 5-6, 2022. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered. Should restrictions on travel and events make it impossible to meet physically, the workshop may be moved to a digital platform.
Submission requirements
Abstract:
- 400 word maximum
- Details of the submitter and any co-authors
Selected paper:
- 8,000 word maximum, abstract included
- Figures should be saved separately from the text
- Word format preferred
All submissions must be in English. Abstracts should be submitted via email to odaeo@uio.no by February 12, 2022, in order to be considered by the Nordic Civil Societies panel. A selection will be finalized by February 26, and accepted papers should in turn be submitted in full by April 28.
The workshop is organized by UiO Nordic project "Nordic Civil Societies" (Pillar III) with support from ReNEW.
If you have any queries, feel free to contact the organisers: Sunniva Engh and Tyler Barrott.
Download call for papers as Pdf:
Call for papers: ‘A Nordic Worldview? The Nordics in the World'