The conference will include keynote addresses from Prof. David Martin, Prof. Lucy Riall, Prof. MacGregor Knox, Lord Desai, Prof. Elleke Boehmer, Prof. Erik Zurcher.

The first day will explore the theoretical and historical relationship between nations, nationalism and the concept of charisma. The second day will address types of political leadership, ranging from right to left; religious to secular; democratic to authoritarian. The third day will explore how far charismatic nationalism is a movement from below or above, and how it responds to the national vision of historians, linguists, poets, musicians and other intellectuals. The conference will adopt an interdisciplinary approach focusing on historical, theoretical, and contemporary aspects of the theme.

The 2010 Conference Committee is now calling for papers to be presented at the conference. The abstracts of the proposed papers should not exceed 500 words and are expected by Friday, 6 November 2009. Suggestions for panels and additional themes are also welcome.