[CivilSoc] Conference--Modern Kazakhstan, U. of Toronto, Oct. 30, 2003

[CSI]

CONF./CFP- Modern Kazakhstan, Univ. of Toronto, Oct. 30, 2003
Conference--The Modern Kazakhstan: Between East and West
October 30, 2003
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada
The Centre for Russian and East European Studies CREES) at the University
of Toronto proudly announces the holding of a multidisciplinary conference
on modern Kazakhstan--The Modern Kazakhstan: Between East and West.
The conference will take place on October 30th 2003 at the University of
Toronto Munk Centre for International Studies.
The aim of the conference is to provide a discussion forum open to students,
academics, professionals, politicians and diplomats. The conference will
allow panelists and participants to improve their knowledge and
understanding of modern Kazakhstan by discussing the country's current state
of affairs. Discussions will also address what the future holds for
Kazakhstan in political, economic and social terms. The conference will
tackle these topics by addressing a number of important questions,
including:
i) What is Kazakhstan's role and position in the changing geopolitical
context and international system (given the country's location in the "tough
neighborhood" between Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan)? Why has
Kazakhstan unilaterally disarmed its nuclear arsenal, though it used to
possess the fourth largest arsenal of nuclear weapons of its time on the
world?
ii) Which development path has Kazakhstan--a post-Soviet oil-rich
country--chosen to follow? How do these developments affect the country's
economy and its trade partners?
iii) What is the current state of democracy in Kazakhstan? What role do
culture, gender and other social and environmental issues play in this
multi-cultural and bilingual country's transformation? In general, what has
changed in Kazakhstan, what has not and why?
The CREES invites panel and paper proposals for the conference. In the
application following information should be included:
* Full name
* Name and location of your Institution, Department
* CV
* Title and abstract of your paper (500 words)
The language of the conference is only in English.
We look forward to receiving your proposals for selection. There is no
immediate deadline for submission of proposals ­ though those who might need
more time to get a visa should apply early, and request feedback if
confirmation is required.  Therefore, we appreciate it if you send
everything by the end of August latest. We will let you know about the
acceptance of your proposals by early September.
Funding and Accommodations
Conference organizers are unable to fund fully all attendants travel
expenses; however, we do not wish for people to miss the conference due to
lack of funds.  If you feel some pressing need to be at the conference or
you have a proposed speech that demands airing at this conference, please
contact the organizers and we will attempt to make arrangements.
We can still make accommodations available for those who reach Toronto and
have no place to stay.  Please advise us of your travel plans and itinerary
in this regard.
All further information and questions can be inquired by e-mail:
sapar.tuyakbayev at utoronto.ca
Saparbek Tuyakbayev
Organizing Committee
Centre for Russian and East European Studies
Munk Centre for International Studies
University of Toronto
1 Devonshire Place,
Toronto, Ontario,
Canada, M5S 3K7
Tel: +1 (416) 285 8782
Fax: +1 (416) 946-8939
E-mail: sapar.tuyakbayev at utoronto.ca