[Discussion] Modern Kazakhstan

[gonul@bilkent.edu.tr]

CONF./CFP- Modern Kazakhstan, Univ. of Toronto, Oct. 30, 2003 

Conference--The Modern Kazakhstan: Between East and West 
October 30, 2003 
University of Toronto 
Toronto, Canada 

The Centre for Russian and East European Studies (CREES) at the University 
of Toronto proudly announces the holding of a multidisciplinary conference 
on modern Kazakhstan--The Modern Kazakhstan: Between East and West. 

The conference will take place on October 30th 2003 at the University of 
Toronto Munk Centre for International Studies. 

The aim of the conference is to provide a discussion forum open to students, 
academics, professionals, politicians and diplomats. The conference will 
allow panelists and participants to improve their knowledge and 
understanding of modern Kazakhstan by discussing the country's current state 
of affairs. Discussions will also address what the future holds for 
Kazakhstan in political, economic and social terms. The conference will 
tackle these topics by addressing a number of important questions, including: 

i) What is Kazakhstan's role and position in the changing geopolitical 
context and international system (given the country's location in the 
"tough neighborhood" between Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan)? Why has 
Kazakhstan unilaterally disarmed its nuclear arsenal, though it used to 
possess the fourth largest arsenal of nuclear weapons of its time on 
the world? 

ii) Which development path has Kazakhstan--a post-Soviet oil-rich 
country--chosen to follow? How do these developments affect the country's 
economy and its trade partners? 

iii) What is the current state of democracy in Kazakhstan? What role do 
culture, gender and other social and environmental issues play in this 
multi-cultural and bilingual country's transformation? 

In general, what has changed in Kazakhstan, what has not and why? 

The CREES invites panel and paper proposals for the conference 

In the application following information should be included: 

* Full name 
* Name and location of your Institution, Department 
* CV 
* Title and abstract of your paper (500 words) 

The language of the conference is only in English 

We look forward to receiving your proposals for selection. There is no 
immediate deadline for submission of proposals ­ though those who might need 
more time to get a visa should apply early, and request feedback if 
confirmation is required. Therefore, we appreciate it if you send 
everything by the end of August latest. We will let you know about the 
acceptance of your proposals by early September. 

Funding and Accommodations 

Conference organizers are unable to fund fully all attendants travel 
expenses; however, we do not wish for people to miss the conference due to 
lack of funds. If you feel some pressing need to be at the conference or 
you have a proposed speech that demands airing at this conference, please 
contact the organizers and we will attempt to make arrangements. Please 
pardon this message. 

We can still make accommodations available for those who reach Toronto and 
have no place to stay. Please advise us of your travel plans and itinerary 
in this regard. 

All further information and questions can be inquired by e-mail: 
sapar.tuyakbayev@utoronto.ca 

Saparbek Tuyakbayev 
Organizing Committee 

Centre for Russian and East European Studies 
Munk Centre for International Studies 
University of Toronto 
1 Devonshire Place, 
Toronto, Ontario, 
Canada, M5S 3K7 

Tel: +1 (416) 285 8782 
Fax: +1 (416) 946-8939 
E-mail: sapar.tuyakbayev@utoronto.ca