The Pen, the Place, and the Pact: Literature, Heritage, and Diplomacy in the Baltic and Nordic Regions

The 16th Annual International Conference on Baltic and Nordic Studies, Sibiu, Romania, May 8-9, 2025

The 16th Annual International Conference on Baltic and Nordic Studies seeks to explore the dynamic interplay between literature, heritage, and diplomacy in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Taking place at the Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, this conference invites scholars, senior and junior researchers, doctoral students, and practitioners to delve into the profound connections between cultural expression, historical legacies, and diplomatic relations that have shaped the shared and distinct identities of these regions.

Themes for Submission

We invite submissions addressing the intersection of Literature, Heritage, and Diplomacy in the Baltic and Nordic contexts. The conference will explore how these fields intersect and influence one another, shaping the cultural, political, and historical landscapes of the region.

Literature

Literature has long served as a tool for cultural diplomacy, offering insights into the values, aspirations, and struggles of nations. In the Baltic and Nordic regions, literature has been central in expressing national identities and in transgressing the boundaries between cultures, histories, and politics. The conference seeks contributions that explore:

• The role of literature in reflecting, negotiating, and shaping identities.
• Literary responses to historical events and diplomatic shifts, particularly in periods of conflict or transformation.
• The impact of literary figures and works in diplomatic relations, cross-border exchanges, and the creation of transnational literary movements.
• The influence of foreign literary traditions on the development of regional literatures, and vice versa.
• Narratives Across Borders: The Baltic Sea as a Literary Motif.

Heritage

Cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, is a cornerstone in the construction of collective memory and identity in the Baltic and Nordic regions. It plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary diplomatic relations, informing political narratives, and fostering national belonging. Papers may address the following themes:

• The preservation and transformation of cultural heritage in response to political, social, and economic shifts.
• The role of heritage in diplomacy, including the use of cultural diplomacy to foster international understanding and cooperation.
• The intersection of historical narratives and heritage, and how they inform diplomatic discourse and relations.
• The relationship between regional heritage and global cultural trends, including the impact of UNESCO designations and international heritage treaties.
• Shared Heritage and Regional Identity: Preserving Baltic Sea Region’s Cultural Legacy.
• Heritage at Risk: Climate Change and Preservation Challenges in the Baltic Sea Region.
• The Politics of Heritage: Memory, Monuments, and Reconciliation vs Conflict in the Baltic Sea Region

Diplomacy

Diplomacy, whether formal or informal, plays a central role in the shaping of interregional relationships in the Baltic and Nordic regions. It is through diplomatic channels that cultural, literary, and heritage exchanges are formalized and given international resonance. Topics for consideration include:

• Diplomacy in the Baltic and Nordic Regions: Instruments of Soft and Hard Power
• Historical Dynamics of Baltic-Nordic Alliances: From the Hanseatic League to Modern Cooperation
• The role of diplomacy in the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage, and its impact on the international stage.
• The relationship between literature and diplomacy, particularly how literary works have been employed to promote or challenge political ideologies and foster transnational dialogue.
• Historical examples of diplomatic engagements that were influenced by cultural and literary ties, and how these shaped geopolitical landscapes.
• The role of diplomatic institutions, embassies, and cultural centers in promoting culture across borders.
• Environmental Diplomacy in the Baltic Sea Region: Nordic and Baltic Leadership in Sustainability.

We invite submissions of abstracts for individual papers, as well as proposals for panels, roundtables, and collaborative sessions. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, with a particular interest in research that explores the intersections of history, literature, diplomacy, and cultural heritage. Proposals for papers should include a brief biography of the presenter.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sibiu, a city renowned for its cultural and historical significance, to engage in a stimulating and enriching dialogue on the enduring connections between literature, heritage, and diplomacy in the Baltic and Nordic regions.

Conference Website: https://balticnordic.hypotheses.org/conference2025
Submission Platform: https://forms.office.com/e/ph3nkNvpkD

Important Dates:

• Proposals for Panels and Roundtables (approx. 500 words): January 15, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance of Panels and Roundtables: February 1, 2025
• Abstracts for Individual Papers (approx. 300 words): February 1, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance of Individual Papers: February 15, 2025
• Publication of Conference Articles: August and December 2025

More info: https://balticnordic.hypotheses.org/conference2025

---

---