Fellowship Call for proposals for interdisciplinary research residencies on the End of Violence

A temporary end or even momentary cessation of violence – is the first and unconditional condition for the institution of a truce or peace or eternal peace. How do we stop or delay acts that could be defined as “bad” or “evil,” acts that carry destruction and erasure? We do not have accurate explanations as to whether it is possible to end extreme violence permanently. And convert it into something desirable that eventually prevents any future breakout of violence. Extreme violence in the shape of war is a social phenomenon constitutive of human development throughout history. It requires organized social action, collective intentionality, systematic use of weapons, sophisticated linguistic coordination, and ritualism.

The dilemma that violence and war could serve peace and a new order or the building of new and just institutions is as old as the idea of democracy. Can the histories of violence and destructive actions be reduced exclusively to discussions about the number and sequence of harmful acts necessary to establish acceptable social change? Max Weber underscored those social entities having a coercive nature, and violence is a constitutive element of the state and institutional order per se. The focus on the end of extreme violence, not on defense against violence leading to a just war against an aggressor or unjust enemy – then prioritizes the (re)construction of instruments and institutes that prevent and urgently stop all kinds of nullifying acts. Concepts such as risk, urgency, negotiation, request, force, threat, bluff, etc., are the first protocols to end extreme violence. Are there others?

The Center for Advanced Studies invites applications from scholars and artists interested in participating in a new, critical dialogue on the End of Violence from various disciplinary perspectives.

The CAS SEE Fellowship is intended to provide support for early-stage researchers. Inspired by the cooperation of previous generations of CAS SEE Fellows and their creation of long-term thematic synergies among researchers, the upcoming CAS SEE Fellowship will stimulate fellows to present their research in Rijeka and other regional centers. Alongside pursuing their independent research interests, fellows will attend regular CAS SEE regional conferences and seminars.

Fellows are expected to spend two weeks during their fellowship on the island of Cres at the Moise Palace, a Renaissance palace managed by the University of Rijeka. The Moise Palace serves as a research retreat, a regional hub for advancing social science, humanities, art, and interdisciplinary research, and a space of engagement and exchange with local communities. As in previous years, Fellows will co-organize the program for their group’s retreats to Moise based on their individual and collective interests and needs.

For applicants coming from arts, the applications should include a 2-3 minute application presentation besides a textual proposal and CV. Please provide a link for the uploaded video materials in the “List up to three of your publications” slot in the Application form. It is up to applicants how they want to video present their project (interview, videography, drawings etc.). Lastly, please note that applicants coming from arts do not need to hold a PhD.

*Fellowships are enabled by the ERSTE Foundation and Rockefeller Brothers Fund in the framework of supporting brain circulation for democratic development in Southeast Europe.

Requirements to be fulfilled during the fellowship:

1. One open-access mini digital/hybrid/physical event related to the theme of the granted fellowship. Flexible in form, these events will have to engage representatives of the academic community, civil society, social movements and, preferentially, media and business community. Each event should have output from a two-page overview of the theme and conclusions aimed at the public.
2. One op-ed related to the theme of the fellowship that will be distributed through web channels of CAS SEE and its partners and donors (Erste Stiftung Voices, Science for Society, European Western Balkans, Balkan Insight, etc.)
3. Two Digital/hybrid/physical fellowship seminars and retreat participation (regular CAS SEE meetings).
4. Participation in the events with prominent scholars organized by CAS SEE