CENTER FOR ADVANCED RESERACHES, SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA

MIRAS Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage, Baku, Azerbaijan

AYDIN ADNAN MENDERES UNIVERSITY, TURKEY

GLOBAL PROCESSES JOURNAL, MIAMI, USA 

12th Scientific International Conference

“Ohrid –Vodici, 2024”

Ohrid, 17-19 January 2024

Call for papers

“Promotion of the “Soft Power”, Culture, Cultural Heritage, Environment, Tourism or other Human Dimension measures for Sustainable and Inter-Cultural Developments”

In honor of Prof. Dr. Predrag Simić

Recent regional and worldwide events, such as the COVID-19 epidemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and the wars in Israel and Gaza, have brought to light just how unsustainable our civilizations and way of life are! The war in Ukraine sparked a more severe energy and economic crisis, and recent bombings and terrorist attacks in the Middle East raised the possibility that the fight would grow more extensive. Our lives are being impacted by these new crises, particularly the sustainability of our social, cultural, civic, private, and familial spheres and their economic stability. Massive migrations are another effect of these disasters. 

Some of the issues that we thought were resolved or overturned for centuries are being brought up again in public discourse by the new crises that have arisen after the "End of history" or as a result of the "Clash of civilizations." These issues primarily relate to paradigms related to identities, religions, ethnicity, geography, human rights, etc. New identities are emerging in public life, some identities are being denied, and some identities are requesting greater affirmation. It is clear that the question of identity is crucial, especially in light of the fact that it is one of the most mobilising forces in the modern world.      

Political scientist Joseph Nye Jr. first used the term "soft power" in the 1980s, characterising it as a nation's capacity to influence others without using forceful force. In order to promote goodwill and fortify alliances, that process actually involves nations projecting their ideas, ideals, and cultures across international boundaries.

To further their own objectives and increase their soft power internationally, governments frequently transfer cash, goods, and services to other nations. For decades, radio and television news media have been used by the US to try and improve its reputation overseas. These kinds of initiatives have their roots in Voice of America's World War II attempts to thwart Nazi propaganda. The boys’ band BTS from South Korea, were designated as special envoys for public diplomacy by South Korean President Moon Jae-in in September 2021, and he brought them to the UN. Millions more people watched BTS's UNGA statement online than any otherworld leaders during the summit, even though it mirrored many of South Korea's policy aims.

The ability to influence other countries without resorting to force or coercion by using attractiveness and persuasion is known as soft power. Science, art, and culture are the foundation of soft power. Soft power is developed in the diplomatic sphere using a variety of strategies, including science, public, digital, and education diplomacy.

Cultural diplomacy is a vital tool for building relationships with various groups and educating others about the customs and beliefs of a nation. Organising festivals and exhibitions, facilitating artist exchanges, and providing backing for films and other artistic endeavours are all examples of cultural diplomacy. Public diplomacy is a more general term that includes cultural diplomacy.

The importance of education diplomacy is growing as nations leverage worldwide recognition, partnerships, and their overall soft power through educational exchanges and scholarships. This includes giving people the chance to study overseas and offering educational opportunities and exchanges to strengthen international cooperation and diplomatic connections. Academics and students who take part in educational exchange programmes usually form strong bonds and a positive impression of one other.

Moreover, economic diplomacy is employed to strengthen soft power. The Marshall Plan was implemented to develop the European Union's economy following World War II. But the "Marshall Plan" also influenced European society priorities and culture. Another example of something that impacts more than just infrastructure and economic development is China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Soft power is increasingly incorporating sports diplomacy. It has many different facets. Qatar's reputation has increased as a result of holding major events like the FIFA World Cup there. Countries fight hard to host the Olympics, World Cup, and other major sporting events because they are important for soft power. Achievement in sports is the second crucial factor. Argentina's triumph in Qatar has raised the nation's profile and stature.

One significant instrument of soft power is e-diplomacy. It involves influencing public opinion and international discourses through the use of websites, blogs, and social media. Due to the significance of social media during the Arab Spring, Twitter and Facebook diplomacy were used. You can read more about enhancing soft power through the use of social media and other online resources.

This conference will be in a honor of Prof. Dr. Predgrad Simić, who ten years ago (2014) was present in our 3rd Conference in Ohrid.  Professor Dr. Predrag Simić, University of Belgrade, Serbia (1954-2015), as an expert in International relations and Balkan studies who, through his diplomatic work (he was ambassador of Serbia in France), gave importance to culture, university cooperation, book translation and tourism, as the best way to understand and connect peoples and countries.

TOPICS OF INTERESTS

We invite scholars, PhD and MA students, researchers and practitioners in environmental studies, cultural heritage, political science, economy, tourism sciences, media, architecture, museology, archiving, audio-visual arts, information sciences/ technologies, archeology, anthropology/ethnology, history of art, geography, sociology, psychology and all related fields to submit papers on any topic related to conference theme. Papers may reflect on a wide spectrum of issues related to protection and managing of the environment and cultural heritage, sustainable development, promotion, developing of a tourism etc.

Deadline for Application: 18 December 2023

Notification of Acceptance Decisions: 26 December 2023

Registration: 9 January 2024

Conference: 17-19 January 2024

SUBMISSIONS OF PAPERS/PANELS or POSTERS

The Conference is open to individual submissions for papers and proposals for panels. All applications for papers and panels must be sent to the e-mail: conference.vodici2023@gmail.com, by 18 December 2023. The papers accepted upon the assessment of the Program Board will be notified via email by 26 December 2023. Application for papers should content: 

• Title of the paper/panel or poster

• Abstract (in English only) not more than 300 words for individual papers, including the main argument and conclusions;

• Abstract (in English only) not more than 500 words for panel proposals, including abstracts of panel papers;

• Name and title of the author/s of the paper;

• Short bio of the author(s) of the paper, not more than one paragraph;

• E-mail address, telephone and fax numbers of the author(s) of the paper.

• Size for poster has to be 50x75 cm.

CONFERENCE LANGUAGE

Conference language is both Macedonian and English. 

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE

All registered participants will be granted a certificate of attendance at the end of the conference.

CONFERENCE BOOKLET

All abstracts accepted to the Conference will be published as a conference booklet.

VENUE

The conference will be hold in Ohrid and Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia. Information about the exact premises will be given later. 

SCHEDULE

Conference will begin on 17 January 2024 and will end on 19 January 2024.

On 17 January 2024, publication (Conference proceedings) from the 11th Conference Vodici-Ohrid, 2023 ", will be promoted and disseminated.

REGISTRATION

Participation fee- EUR 60

Registration, conference materials (book of abstracts), welcome reception, snacks, certificates.

On-line Participation trough ZOOM platform includes book of abstracts, on-line access, certificates.

PUBLICATION

Publication of papers will be double- blind peer-reviewed. Journal (conference proceedings) will be registered in The Central and Eastern European Online Library (CEEOL).  The dissemination process of content included in CEEOL includes the following discovery systems: Google Scholar, ProQuest´s Serial Solutions, Summon, Primo Central, Alma, EBSCO´s EDS Discovery Service and Knowledge Base, TDNet and OCLC.

Cost for publication will be additionally announced. There is no possibility for publication of articles if the paper is not presented in a conference.   

ACCOMMODATION

The participants will cover accommodation costs. Organizing committee may facilitate or propose proper accommodation.

TRAVEL

Participants will be responsible for paying their travel expenses.

CONTACTS

contact@car.org.mk

conference.vodici.2024@gmail.com

Contact person:

Marina Vrvcoska MA (marina.vrvcoska@gmail.com), viber: + 38970422287