国際関係史学会2014年東京大会について、報告者の公募とその方法についての案内です。

International Conference of CHIR in Tokyo
Japan Foundation International Center, Tokyo, Japan
December 6-7, 2014

CALL FOR PAPERS

Emergence of Asia in the International Relations

1. General Concept and Research Objectives
On the one-hundredth anniversary of the opening of the First World War, this conference aims at a comprehensive analysis regarding the impact of the war upon the world, especially on the Asia-Pacific region. The conference analyzes (1) the development of the War in Europe and its impact in the Asia-Pacific region and (2) long-term changes in the Asia-Pacific region after the war, including but not limited to the spread of nationalist sentiments, renewed struggles for control and influence among weakening European colonizers and new powers such as the United States and Japan, and the growing influence of new norms and ideologies such as socialism, Wilsonianism, and pacifism. This conference will be broad in scope, going beyond the Asia-Pacific region and beyond academic specializations such as international politics, comparative politics and history.We, the organizing committee, would like to propose four concrete topics as follows:

(A) Research on the First World War: Causes, Development and Direct Impact of the War

The 100th anniversary of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, is expected to encourage further studies on the First World War. The organizing committee hopes to make original contributions to this subject with its emphasis upon the interrelationship between Europe and Asia-Pacific. The war in Asia-Pacific developed at least partly independently from the European theater. Battles in European colonies were expected, but expansion of the conflict into Asia-Pacific should have been avoidable. The involvement of Asia-Pacific powers in the First World War was more a result of choice than a natural consequence of the war in Europe. While causes of the war in Asia-Pacific have to be examined independently from the war in Europe, we cannot neglect the impact of the latter upon the former. International relations in Asia-Pacific after the war were a mixture of European changes and particular developments before and during the war. Thus, examination of the Asia-Pacific War is expected to reveal a new aspect of the First World War.

(B) Long-Term Impact of the War upon Asia-Pacific Regional Development

Historians have not fully caught up with recent widespread interest in the Asia-Pacific region. In spite of growing interest in this subject, regional history surrounding the Pacific Ocean is limited. Focusing on the hundred years since the opening of the First World War, this conference is expected to provide some ideas and arguments regarding interactions in the Asia-Pacific region, both between regional actors and outside interests. At the very least, this conference should be able to present some cues and contribute to future scholarship in Asia-Pacific history.

(C) Emergence of Ideological Conflicts and Globalization

Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, the First World War marked the opening of a new era in world history. This war initiated a period characterized by conflicts over ideas. International relations had not been free from ideological conflicts before 1914, but their seriousness and impact expanded during the 20th century. The First World War marked the emergence and spread of new ideas which influenced following conflicts. Among these ideas was nationalism which stimulated the process of decolonization, one of the most important events in the 20th century. Socialism and liberalism also spread widely with their self-assigned guardians, the Soviet Union and the United States. The misery and destruction caused during the war also stimulated pacifism, especially in Europe. Combined, these new ideas deeply influenced 20th century history.
Also important was expanding interdependence and mutual influence across the world, or the beginning of globalization. Of course it was not the same as the globalization the world recognizes today, nor was it the first occasion that recognized the importance of economic and social exchanges across the borders. Still, the war inspired new notions about worldwide interactions. New arguments are expected to come from the examinations of the role the First World War played in transforming our worldview.

(D) Subjective Behaviors of Asia-Pacific Actors

At the beginning of the 20th century, much of the Asia-Pacific region was colonized. Freedom in these colonies was restricted by European colonial powers. Yet, this did not mean these Asian-Pacific territories were passive objects of outside powers’ policies. Some remained independent politically and pursued their own interests, taking advantage of rivalries among the outside powers if possible. Peoples under colonial rule also tried to promote their own interests despite suppression. Newly emerging ideas, such as selfdetermination and socialism, encouraged them.

As an international conference held in Japan, we also welcome presentations with special emphasis on Japan’s role in the First World War and thereafter. Taking into account Japanese behaviors, for example its entry into the war, it is not unreasonable to call for papers focusing on Japan.

2. What Presentations Are Expected
We, the organizing committee, expect presentations related to any of the four topics above.

Presentations are expected to make empirical or theoretical arguments on chosen topics, with original contributions to international history, international relations, or regional studies. Papers that have been published in any form, or those that have been presented in an academic conference will not be accepted.

3. Deadline for Proposal Submission
Proposals for research presentations must be submitted by e-mail to the CHIR Japanese conference office by August 5th, 2014 (address: (Please replace ★ with @）).The proposal should include a title and a 200-word summary of the presentation.

Authors of accepted proposals will have to submit complete papers in advance of the conference. Papers should be sent to the same e-mail address by early November.