INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION (IPSA)
JOINT CONFERENCE
Democratization and Constitutional Design in Divided Societies
University of Cyprus, 24-27 June 2017
UCLAN CYPRUS, SCHOOL OF LAW
CALL FOR PAPERS FOR PANEL(S) ON ‘DESIGNING DEMOCRACIES IN POSTCONFLICT SOCIETIES’
The School of Law of the University of Central Lancashire in Cyprus announces the following
call for papers for panel(s) on ‘Designing democracies in post-conflict societies’, to be
submitted to the IPSA Joint Conference on Democratization and Constitutional Design in
Divided Societies, to be held at the University of Cyprus, on 24-27 June 2017.
The idea that democratic states are also more peaceful ones, both internally and in their
international relations, has been the subject of extensive research. The idea has also shaped the
policies being implemented in divided and post-conflict societies around the world. At the same
time, the process of democratization is complex, multi-faceted and often fraught with
difficulties. In addition to the challenging task of creating democratic institutions, primarily in
the executive and the legislature, policymakers must also pay attention to the potential
contribution of other state institutions, such as the armed forces, the police and the judiciary,
as well as academia, the legal profession, the medical profession and other professions.
Moreover, while institutional design is a significant component of democratization, equally
important are processes and initiatives, such as strengthening civil society, reforming the
educational system and taking steps to ensure that society is secure.
Participants in this panel are invited to discuss the importance and challenges faced during the
process of democratization or the effects of this process in societies that are emerging from
violence. Papers can, but do not have to exclusively, focus on the case study of Cyprus. Topics
for this panel can address, among others, the following questions:

What are the challenges involved in designing democracy in post-conflict
societies?

How might external actors, ethnic divisions and a history of violence influence the
process of democratization?

What contributions can be made to the process of democratization
by different players, such as politicians, judges, police officers, the armed
forces, professional bodies, international institutions and diasporas?

What other considerations must be taken into account during the process of
democratization in post-conflict societies (e.g. advancing security, promoting
justice, working towards the reconciliation of previously warring parties,
combating corruption, facilitating transparency and fostering an ethical culture of
respect for the rights of others)?

How does democracy connect with civil society and the rule of law, as well
as other related concepts, such as dignity, equality, ethics, freedom, human rights,
justice and the separation of powers?
We invite proposals for individual paper contributions engaging these issues. In the interests
of cross-disciplinary synergy, we welcome proposals from disparate academic fields. We aim
to feature the best of contemporary research on democratic transitions, including new research
by established academics as well as by early career scholars.
Proposals for papers should include contact details of the author(s), their CVs and an abstract
of up to 200 words. The final deadline for electronic submission of proposals is 15 January
2017. Notices of acceptance will be sent out by 23 January 2017. Proposals should be
submitted to [email protected].
The general call for papers from IPSA can be found here: https://www.ipsa.org/news/call-forpaper/ipsa-joint-conference-rc14-rc28-rc13-democratization-and-constitutional-design-d
Upon receipt of confirmation from IPSA that our proposed panel(s) are accepted, all
participants will be required to register for the conference. IPSA has implemented a new
category of membership for citizens from low and lower-middle income countries; the list of
can be found here: https://www.ipsa.org/membership/individual/global_south_category
Early Bird Registration Fees (before 1 May 2017):
Faculty Rate:
Non-member 120 €
Member 100 €
Member from Global South 80 €
Student Rate:
Non-member 80 €
Member 60 €
Member from Global South 40 €
After 1 May 2017, the student rate will be raised by 20 € and by 40 € for the remaining
categories.
Organizing committee: Allison McCulloch, Brandon University, Canada; Timofey Agarin,
Queen’s University Belfast, UK; Bartłomiej Zdaniuk, University of Warsaw, Poland;
Melba Nyabereka, Monash University, South Africa; Paolo Dardanelli, University of Kent,
UK; Thomas D. Lancaster, Emory University, USA.