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Conference: "Genocides: Forms, Causes and Consequences"
(Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin, 13-15.1.2005)
Convenors: Juergen Zimmerer/Jan-Bart Gewald/Andreas Eckert
namibian-war@freenet.de
The 20th century can be seen as a century of genocide. Never before in the
history of humankind were so many people killed or their culture destroyed
on the grounds of their descent and ethnic affiliation. Unfortunately it is
likely that genocide will be serious policy option for some political
leaders in the future. Understanding the causes of genocide is therefore not
only of academic interest, but will also enable action to be undertaken,
which, while may not preventing genocide from taking place, will allow for
timely and humane responses to this most fundamental of crimes against
humanity.
In 1904, the first genocide of the 20th century took place in German South
West Africa (Namibia). In order to commemorate this event and to put this
historical milestone into perspective, a conference will be held at the Haus
der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin between 13th and 15th January 2005. Starting
from the genocide committed in Namibia 100 years ago the conference aims to
come to an informed understanding regarding the origins of genocide. Issues
to be dealt with in the conference relate to, amongst others, definitions
and problems of comparison, the roots of genocide, genocide and the state,
singularities and continuities, genocide and law and genocide, memory and
identity.
The conference will feature a series of internationally renowned researchers on genocide from Australia, Canada, Germany, Namibia, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the USA, have been invited to
present their research. In order to facilitate a truly comparative approach,
they will give papers on structural features of genocide rather than on
specific cases. This focus will identify theoretical and typological
linkages between genocides in history. The selection will enable the
conference to come to, not only an empirically, but also - and more
importantly - a theoretically informed comparison between genocides.
The event is designed to stimulate intensive and lively debate. The
conference language is English. There will be opportunities for graduate students who are about to complete their thesis or have done so recently to present posters on their research. Please send a short outline and a c.v. (namibian-war@freenet.de).
The conference will also serve as a the foundation meeting of a European
network of genocide scholars. More details well be announced soon (see the
conference homepage, address below).
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Genocides: Forms, Causes and Consequences.
The Herero-War (1904-08) in historical perspective
Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin, 13-15.1.2005
Preliminary Programme:
Convenors: Juergen Zimmerer/Jan-Bart Gewald/Andreas Eckert
In cooperation with the Institute für Voelkerkunde, University of Cologne
(Michael Bollig), the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum für Voelkerkunde, Cologne
(Klaus Schneider) and the Department of History, University of
Duisburg/Essen (Christoph Marx)
With the financial support of the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung
Thursday, 13.1.2005
Welcome: Andreas Eckert (Hamburg)
Opening remarks:
Genocide as paradigm: The biopolitical crime and modernity: Juergen Zimmerer
(Coimbra)
Panel 1: Problems of Comparison
Chair: Andreas Eckert (Hamburg)
- Understanding Genocide: Beyond comparative case studies: Henry Huttenbach
(New York)
- Historiography of Comparison: A. Dirk Moses (Sydney)
Discussant: Hartmut Kaelble (Berlin)
Friday, 14.1.2005
Panel 2: The Namibian War in the History of Genocide?
Chair: Jeremy Silvester (Windhoek)
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