Conference: The Spanish Civil War - History, Memory, Representation

An International Interdisciplinary Conference

Date: 9-10 February 2008

Location: Temple of Peace, Cardiff

 

Organised by the Welsh Centre for International Affairs in collaboration with the Centre for Critical and Cultural Theory, Cardiff University)

In the modern, dynamic Spain of the 21st century, the relationship between history, memory and representation is perhaps more alive than in any other European country. More studies have been written about the Spanish Civil War than any other conflict in human history, excepting the Second World War. The Spanish war, for many, has represented and continues to represent a Manichaean struggle between fascism and democracy, revolution and reaction. Others have found a struggle between principle and cynical Realpolitik, as expressed in the betrayals of Britain and France, and Stalin’s Soviet Union. Spain in the mid-1930s also witnessed the most advanced expression of first wave feminism as well as the most profound human and social revolution in human history, led by the forces of Spanish anarchism.

Scholars from a variety of disciplines continue to produce original and important work on the cause that was Spain, on the Spanish Tragedy or the Spanish Labyrinth. We are delighted to inform you about the two day international, interdisciplinary conference taking place in Cardiff in early February and in particular to announce that our plenary speakers include some of the most pre-eminent historians of modern Spain, Professor Julian Casanova (University of Zaragoza), Professor Helen Graham (Royal Holloway), Dr. Angela Jackson (Author of British Women and the Spanish Civil War) and Professor Paul Preston (London School of Economics). The panel sessions will include both new and established scholars presenting cutting-edge research from across the world, which, we believe, will make for a rich and stimulating experience.

The conference will also feature the “Wise and Foolish Dreamers” exhibition on Wales and the Spanish Civil War, and a screening of the famous and now unfortunately rarely-seen documentary To Die in Madrid.

Contact

For proposals, registration or more information please visit www.scwconference08.com or email organiser@scwconference08.com. We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Anindya Raychaudhuri (School of English, Communication and Philosophy)

Andrew Dowling (Cardiff School of European Languages, Translation and Politics).