This workshop will investigate regime/system changes in general, therefore, the major conditions, factors, processes and actors will be discussed from the domains of social sciences - ranging from political science to economics, from sociology to law. Lecturers will touch upon issues connected with the better understanding of the motifs and driving forces behind any system change. Examples will be shown from the wider international context, and cases will be presented from East Africa to East-Central Europe, and in particular to the Western Balkans.

 

This workshop will focus on the changing security environment and policy architecture of the different regions of the Balkans. Inner processes together with demands and requirements coming from the international arena will be discussed. In addition, the various tools and ideas of the peaceful transitions of countries of former Yugoslavia ranging from the Satbilty Pact and other instruments of the European Union will be presented.

 

The workshop is designed to address the issue of "identity" with all the roots, traditional settings, socialisation processes, factors and ethnographic features that determine the various identities of nations across the region. New types of identity and identity-formation, as well as sub-cultural aspects in relation to identity will be analysed. Particular attention will be devoted to youth culture and how young people view their identities today. Minorities, minority cultures, minority languages will also be included in the debate.

 

In close relation to regime change, the economies and economic tranformations will be the core in this workshop. Any experience from any part of the world is welcome to be presented for a better understanding of potentials connected with the development of countries of the region. As long as there are alternative models in the global system, i.e. the Brazilian model of development, the Chinese model and the Beijing Consensus, or other initiatives pushed forward by the European Union, it is highly topical to address the issue of opportunities in terms of the economy. The workshop will discuss what ways countries of East-Central Europe (the former Soviet Bloc countries) and the Western Balkans have followed or intend to follow.

 

The workshop is intended to discuss initiatives of young people to transfor and/or form civil society. NGOs will be offered to groound to present their projects and practices with all the challenges they face, and the demands they need to meet.

 

This "arts workshop" will use the language of music and graphic arts to express young people's views on system change, democracy, development and the future of youth across the world.