The international conference Echoes of Conflict: Health Consequences of War and Violence Across Generations aims to explore the enduring impacts of war and violence on individuals and communities, with a focus on their physical, mental, and societal dimensions. Marking eighty years since the end of the Second World War, this conference seeks to shift the focus from global political consequences to the intimate effects of war on health, emphasizing transgenerational outcomes. By examining governmental and societal responses, as well as the experiences of affected families and individuals, the conference will provide a comprehensive understanding of the lasting legacy of conflict. The event will also explore how mass violence, displacement, and regime changes have shaped societies and influenced the health of subsequent generations.

04/08/2024

Argument

We are pleased to announce the international conference Echoes of Conflict: Health Consequences of War and Violence Across Generations. This conference aims to explore the multifaceted impacts of war and violence on individuals and communities, encompassing its physical, mental, and societal dimensions. By delving into the intimate effects of war on health, governmental and societal responses at both national and international level, as well as its transgenerational (mental) health effects, we seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of the enduring legacy of conflict.

Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, it is time to shift the focus toward the intimate impacts of war and violence on individuals and their health, with a special emphasis on transgenerational consequences. This reflection goes beyond the concept of post-memory to include new perspectives on how the traumas of war are experienced and processed across generations.

The conference aims to move from the global political aftermaths of war to victim care, the rebuilding of affected families and homes, and individual consequences for (mental) health. It also seeks to examine social transformations caused by mass violence, mass displacement, border and regime changes in the aftermath of World War II, and how individuals and communities have coped with these challenges.

We are honored to announce Prof. Michał Bilewicz, the renowned social psychologist from the University of Warsaw, as our keynote speaker. Prof. Bilewicz's work on intergroup relations, prejudice, and the psychological effects of historical trauma will provide valuable insights into our discussions.

Join us as we explore the enduring health consequences of war and violence across generations and work towards a more compassionate and resilient future.

Conference Themes

Intimate Effects of War and Violence on Individuals and Their Health:

• Explore individual and family experiences of coping with the physical and psychological aftermath of war and violence, as well as strategies of returning to normality.
• Examine life in post-war societies, navigating physical injuries and psychological trauma.

Governmental and Societal Responses to the Post-war Health Crisis:

• Analyze governmental and societal approaches to caring for victims and rebuilding affected families and homes.
• Investigate public health policies addressing the health consequences of war, including the management of diseases and pandemics.

Transgenerational (Mental) Health Effects:

• Investigate the impact of war and violence on the second and third post-war generations' physical and mental health.
• Assess strategies and programs for transgenerational care and the processes of rebuilding families across generations.

Inclusive Conference

We encourage contributions from history and other related fields such as sociology, anthropology, literature, cultural studies, psychology, and social psychology, and others to promote a comprehensive exploration of this topic. Submissions should emphasize the historical dimensions of their chosen theme. We welcome contributions from across Europe and beyond, highlighting the diversity of experiences and responses to war and violence in different regions.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstracts Submission Deadline: 30 November 2024

• Notification of Acceptance: 15 January 2025
• Full Papers Submission Deadline: 31 March 2025
• Conference Dates: 8 to 10 April 2025
• Venue: Karolinum, Charles University, Ovocný trh 560/5, Prague

Please submit abstract (250–300 words) and a brief bio (150 words) no later than November 30, 2024, to the following email: echoes@usd.cas.cz

For inquiries and further information, please contact: mrnka@dhi-prag.cz

Conference Organizing Committee

• Dr. Adéla Gjuričová, Institute for Contemporary History of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague
• Prof. Dr. Ota Konrád, Institute of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Prague
• Dr. Jaromír Mrňka, German Historical Institute Warsaw, Prague Branch
• Prof. Dr. Magdalena Saryusz-Wolska, German Historical Institute Warsaw
• Prof. Dr. Iulia Shukan, Centre for Russian, Caucasian and Central European Studies, EHESS, Paris
• Dr. Iryna Sklokina, Center for Urban History, Lviv