The theme for AHA that year is on “Communities and Networks.” Our panel will address questions of the model community: how various state regimes and non-state entities have sought to redefine or reshape communities. These efforts included attempts to shape both the physical boundaries of the community and the conceptual boundaries of identity. Model communities were frequently framed as elements of a modernizing ethos, with considerable continuities between subsequent regimes and (conflicting) ideologies. We particularly hope to explore comparative aspects across national and ideological boundaries.

At present this panel consists of two papers (although one presenter has stated a willingness to move to the commentator’s position if necessary). One focuses on the creation of Habsburg model industrial communities in the nineteenth century, the other (the mobile) on the transformation of provincial Bulgarian communities as model communities in the Socialist era. We would particularly welcome proposals concerning northern Eastern Europe, and proposals on the interwar or post-1989 eras.

We would ask for any interested to please contact us at the e-mail below before January 10.