Annual Conference 2023

“Environmental and Cultural Destruction in Imperial Spaces” Second annual conference of the RTG 2571 ‘Empires’ (Freiburg) 30 November - 2 December 2023, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany This conference explores the intricate relationship between empires and the destruction of environments and cultures. Drawing upon a broad understanding of destruction, the conference envelopes a wide array of phenomena of damage and harm that unfolded within imperial contexts, examining not only the initial impact but also the enduring consequences. The conference aims to address two primary questions: (1) the specific connection between destruction and imperiality, and (2) the interconnected yet distinct nature of environmental and cultural destruction. Our speakers will discuss various imperial spaces worldwide, spanning all major continents, including maritime domains. They will explore topics such as the exploitation of natural resources, the forced assimilation of local cultures, landscape reconfigurations without regard for unique ethnic lines, and the imposition of new ideologies. Additionally, the conference will investigate how these imperial legacies continue to shape and resonate in the social, political, and economic life of cultures and environments in (post-) imperial spaces to this day.

“Environmental and Cultural Destruction in Imperial Spaces”

Second annual conference of the RTG 2571 ‘Empires’ (Freiburg)

30 November - 2 December 2023, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

This conference explores the intricate relationship between empires and the destruction of environments and cultures. Drawing upon a broad understanding of destruction, the conference envelopes a wide array of phenomena of damage and harm that unfolded within imperial contexts, examining not only the initial impact but also the enduring consequences. The conference aims to address two primary questions: (1) the specific connection between destruction and imperiality, and (2) the interconnected yet distinct nature of environmental and cultural destruction. Our speakers will discuss various imperial spaces worldwide, spanning all major continents, including maritime domains. They will explore topics such as the exploitation of natural resources, the forced assimilation of local cultures, landscape reconfigurations without regard for unique ethnic lines, and the imposition of new ideologies. Additionally, the conference will investigate how these imperial legacies continue to shape and resonate in the social, political, and economic life of cultures and environments in (post-) imperial spaces to this day.

Any further queries can be directed to this address.

You can download the conference flyer, poster, and the call for papers.

The conference committee accepts submissions for the conference proceedings until April 15th, 2024. Please consult the Call for Chapters for details.

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