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. 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.

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

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.

Submission guidelines

Submission Platform

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

Committees

Conference Honorary Chairs

• His Excellency Mr. Artūras Žurauskas, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Romania
• Prof. Dr. Hab. Sorin Radu, Rector of Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu

Conference Chairs

• Prof. Dr. Hab. Silviu Miloiu, President of the Romanian Association for Baltic and Nordic Studies.
• Lect. Dr. Anamaria Tudorie, Head of Department of Department of History, Heritage, and Protestant Theology.

Chair of the Scientific Commitee

Researcher Dr. Bogdan-Alexandru Schipor, A.D. Xenopol Institute of History of the Romanian Academy, Iasi, & Vice-President of the Romanian Association for Baltic and Nordic Studies

Vice-Chairs of the Scientific Committee

• Lect. Dr. Crina Leon, Al.I. Cuza University of Iasi & Chair of Scandinavian Studies of the Romanian Association for Baltic and Nordic Studies
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adrian Vițalaru, Al.I. Cuza University of Iasi & Chair of Baltic Studies of the Romanian Association for Baltic and Nordic Studies

Members of the Scientific Committee

To be announced shortly.

Secretary of the Scientific Commitee

Dr. Andreea Dahlquist, General Secretary of the Romanian Association for Baltic and Nordic Studies.

Past annual conferences on Baltic and Nordic Studies

• Romania and Lithuania in the Interwar International Relations: Bonds, Intersections and Encounters, Valahia University of Târgoviste, Romania, May 19-21, 2010.
• Black Sea and Baltic Sea Regions: Confluences, influences and crosscurrents in the modern and contemporary ages, Valahia University of Târgoviste, Romania, May 20-22, 2011.
• European networks: the Balkans, Scandinavia and the Baltic world in a time of economic and ideological crisis, Valahia University of Târgoviste, Romania, May 25-27, 2012.
• Empire-building and region-building in the Baltic, North and Black Sea areas, Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, May 24-26, 2013.
• A piece of culture, a culture of peace. Re-imaging European communities in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions, Valahia University of Târgoviste, Romania, August 17-19, 2014.
• Historical memory, the politics of memory and cultural identity: Romania, Scandinavia and Baltic Sea Region in comparison, Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, May 22-23, 2015.
• Good governance in Romania and the Nordic and Baltic Countries, Nicolae Iorga Institute of History of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania, November 24-25, 2016.
• Finland, Romania, Roma integration – Learning from each other, Diplomatic Institute of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bucharest. Romania, October 9, 2017.
• 100 years since modern independence and unification in the Baltic Sea Region and East-Central Europe, Valahia University of Târgoviste, Romania, November 15-16, 2018.
• Dissent versus conformism in the Nordic, Baltic and Black Sea Areas, Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, June 6-8, 2019.
• Rethinking Europe in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Region, online conference hosted from Târgu-Mureș, Romania, May 28-29, 2020.
• ReThinking multiculturalism, multilingualism and cultural diplomacy in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Region, online conference hosted from Târgu-Mureș, Romania, May 27-28, 2021.
• Hegemons, warlords, and refugees, Valahia University of Târgoviste, November 10-11, 2022.
• Cooperation and Controversy, Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, May 11-12, 2023.
• Dynamics of Belonging: Exploring Home and Homeland in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Region, Valahia University of Târgoviste, May 23-24, 2024.

Publication

Proceedings will be published in The Romanian Journal for Baltic and Nordic Studies, vol. 17 (2025), by uploading them in the platform https://balticnordic.ro/index.php/rjbns.

The Romanian Journal for Baltic and Nordic Studies (RJBNS) was founded in 2009 as the official publication of the Romanian Association for Baltic and Nordic Studies (ARSBN). The journal is a biannual peer-reviewed multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary area studies journal that strives to disseminate information concerning the history, culture, languages, societies, economics, international relations, geography, science of Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea area. It seeks high-quality original papers and reviews of broad scholarly interest that increase understanding of the Scandinavian countries the Baltic Sea region.

Each issue also serves as a useful bibliographic reference. Some issues have focused on specific topics such as viking studies, dissent and conformism in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Region, multiculturalism, and multilingualism, but the majority have contained contributions that represent the journal’s overall aims. Some contributions are the result of Baltic and Nordic Studies conferences held with the goal of investigating the situation in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Region, as well as the relationships, encounters, intersections, confluences, mutual influences, and/or parallels with other areas.

Because the journal values ethical behavior, all materials authorized for publication are subjected to an external double-blind peer review procedure.