Macrohistorical Dynamics (MHD) is a research field on the intersection of interests and subjects of social evolutionism; world, macro-, and theoretical history; macro- and historical sociology; world-system analysis; comparative study of civilizations; geopolitics, studies of long-term socio-ecological, technological, demographic, cultural, political trends and transformations, etc. More detailed information on MD is available in the SSHA site http://www.ipums.umn.edu/~ssha/macro/

Since the very beginning in 1997 such distinguished scholars as A.F.Frank, R.Carneiro, G.Modelski, J.Goudsblom, A.Stinchcombe, R.Collins, S.Sanderson, M.Mann, Chr.Chase-Dann, D.Little et al. took part in MHD panels and we hope that at least some of them will support the enterprise in Pittsburg-2000.

This year the Macrohistorical Dynamics network is guaranteed only 3 panels, but we may get more if we are quick and well-organized. The deadline for paper and/or panel submissions is February 1, 2000.

Submissions are expected to be made by the Internet by means of Web applications. Paper title, brief abstract, and contact information should be submitted on the site http://www.ipums.umn.edu/~ssha where the general SSHA-2000 call for papers is also available.

Now the MHD network is being coordinated by a "troika": Randy Groves (Ferris State University), Thomas D. Hall (Colgate University), and Nikolai Rozov (Novosibirsk State University, Russia).

In keeping with the theme of the meetings, Nikolai has suggested a retrospective consideration of theoretical developments over the last few decades might be in order.

Tom has suggested we might have a modified book panel ('Author meets critics') in which we all agree to discuss several/a few books in common [this may overlap with Nikolai's suggestion]. A key point here is to NOT have a session dedicated to one book, so that if the author can not attend, as happened in 99 the session will not be cancelled. [NOTE: this is an ssha rule, for a session on one book to go, the author (or at least one of multiple authors) MUST be present]. The moral is that we expect book sessions proposals mainly from book authors or from those who are ready and responsible for bringing an author to Pittsburg, October 26-29.

SSHA has set up a mechanism for networks to share papers, so even if you have a solo paper, send the idea along. It is possible and useful to mark a paper not only by the MHD network, but also by some other co-sponsoring networks, say, Theory/Methods, Historical Geography, Politics, Culture, Economics, etc. Chances of co-sponsored papers to be accepted by the SSHA Program Commitee are higher, as well as chances of the MD network to expand by means of co-sponsored panels.

We dare to propose some preliminary titles of panels for soft orientation in MHD-connected problematique:

• The Long History of Macrohistory: Old Questions and New Answers Historical Macrosociology in 1960s-1990s: Crucial Problems and Key Breakthroughs
• Destiny of the Covering Laws Project: Are There Working Macrosociological Theories?
• Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Geoculture: Bridging Paradigms
• Social Evolution and Systemic Transformations in World History
• Structurizing World History: Principles, Criteria, Periodizations
• Prospects of Macrohistorical Dynamics in 21-st Century

Please use the SSHA submission site (find the address below) and feel free to write to us if something is unclear.