“Power” and “the misuse of power” are ubiquitous terms in the present. The causes and consequences of power, however, are evaluated and assessed very differently. For example, the discussions as part of the #metoo movement, church institutions, or universities reveal existing mechanisms of power and their fatal potential for abuse. Consequentially, many have asked about possibilities to change these mechanisms of power. In other contexts – such as in international relations, most recently since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine – power is increasingly understood as an inescapable factor that calls a rules-based order into question and which must supposedly be accepted whether one likes it or not.
In the historical profession, power has always been understood as one of the most important categories of analysis. For historical research, this has always involved very specific cases of the abuse and control of power. At the same time, questions are always raised about the emergence, handling, or effect of power relationships. In a historical perspective, power renders itself as the product of complex fissures in relationships and exists in politics and economics as well as in families and gender relations. Formal power is complemented by informal forms of power or those of a communicative or cultural nature. Lastly, the motto “dynamics of power” refers to the fact that power, like authority, requires a space for feedback within which it can unfold and simultaneously be subjected to a process of dissolution, diffusion, or subversion.
The VHD encourages proposals for sessions which—among other possibilities—address the following issues:
- an engagement with the basic mechanisms, practices, and dynamics of power in diachronic and/or synchronic perspectives
- different forms of power and its interplay (formal and informal, political, economic, or cultural forms)
- the phenomenon of loss of power, its diffusion or subversion or processes of “empowerment”
- representation, communication, and reception of power relationships
- discussion of different conceptions of power or more precisely conceptualizations, historiographical and methodological approaches to questions of power
- reflections about the relationship between science and power, be it within the historical profession or in the relationship of the discipline to the outside world
The Historikertag as a forum into current historical research
The Association calls on its members to make the Bonn Historikertag a forum for current historical research across epochs, topics, and methods. We hope to show the current state of the historical profession in its breadth and diversity. Border-crossing discussions and the presence of international colleagues are particularly welcome. As in the past we will provide financial support for the participation of session participants travelling to participate.
Notes on submission and formats
Please use the following PDF form when submitting session proposals (https://www.historikerverband.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HT2025_Form_en.pdf). Submit applications by 30 September 2024 per email to bonn@historikertag.de and please pay attention to the submission instructions on the form.
All session should be planned to last 1.5 hours (90 minutes). This enables the integration of a maximum of 3 speakers/podium guests. Formats beyond the usual paper presentation format are expressly welcome. Experience has shown that session comments tend to prevent a detailed discussion rather than promoting it. Therefore, the Bonn Historikertag should refrain from session commentators. Sessions of the Historikertag should prompt controversial discussions. It is not advisable, when applying, to reproduce conferences and research networks that have already taken place previously at just one location in a session application.
Submissions on digital methods involving digital research data and digital history contexts are also expressly encouraged.
There will again be a program for both teachers and students. Please take this into account when planning your section proposal.
Individuals may apply to take part in a session. It does not matter whether they are applicants, speakers, or contributors in any other capacity. Sessions can deal with topics and problems of individual epochs or trans-epochal questions.
Session applications may only be submitted by members of the VHD (this applies to all applicants in the case of joint submission). If you are not a member, you can apply for membership while submitting the session proposal. The appropriate form can be found here: https://www.historikererband.de/mitgliedschaft/werden-sie-mitglied.html
Researchers from abroad can apply for a session if they cooperate with at least one member of the VHD.
Please attempt to ensure a balanced diversity when selecting your speakers.
If you have any questions, please contact us via email at: bonn@historikertag.de