48th Annual Conference of the Association for Canadian Studies in German‑speaking Countries
The 48th Annual Conference of the Association for Canadian Studies in German-speaking Countries convenes in Berlin, Germany. This academic gathering serves as a significant forum for scholars, researchers, and students to delve into various facets of Canadian studies, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and presenting new research. The conference is a key event for those interested in the cultural, social, political, and economic landscapes of Canada, particularly from a European perspective.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
This conference is crucial for advancing the understanding of CAN beyond its immediate geographical and political spheres. By bringing together academics in DEU, it highlights the enduring scholarly interest in CAN's unique societal structures, multiculturalism, and its role on the global stage. Such events contribute to a nuanced international discourse, moving beyond superficial perceptions to explore the complexities of a nation often viewed through a singular lens.
Furthermore, the conference provides an important platform for academic exchange between DEU and CAN. This intellectual bridge can lead to collaborative research projects, student exchanges, and a deeper appreciation of shared values and divergent experiences. For policymakers and diplomats, understanding these academic dialogues can offer insights into how CAN is perceived and analyzed internationally, which is vital for crafting effective public diplomacy and international relations strategies.
How to prepare
For participants, thorough preparation involves not only mastering their specific research topics but also understanding the broader context of Canadian-German academic relations. Familiarity with previous conference themes and publications by the Association for Canadian Studies in German-speaking Countries can provide valuable insights into prevailing research trends and methodologies. This preparation is essential for engaging in meaningful discussions and contributing to the collective knowledge base.
Diplomats and government officials interested in the event should consider the themes presented through the lens of public diplomacy and cultural exchange. Identifying key scholars and emerging research areas can inform future bilateral initiatives and educational programs between CAN and DEU. Understanding the academic discourse around CAN's identity, policies, and societal challenges, particularly as interpreted by international scholars, is critical for effective engagement strategies and for identifying hidden stakeholders in international relations.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 2 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
CanadaA subject of extensive academic inquiry, particularly concerning its multiculturalism, indigenous issues, and international relations.
Role in topic
CAN is the primary focus of the conference, with scholars from DEU and other regions presenting research on its history, culture, politics, and society. The conference serves to deepen international understanding of CAN.
GermanyHost nation and a significant contributor to Canadian studies, fostering academic exchange and research.
Role in topic
DEU hosts this annual conference, demonstrating a strong academic interest in CAN. German-speaking scholars contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on CAN, facilitating cross-cultural academic dialogue.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Canada in International Relations and Geopolitics
Key players
- Canada
Subject state recalibrating its middle-power posture amid global realignment.
United StatesIndispensable ally and largest trading partner, source of both security guarantees and political volatility.
ChinaStrategic competitor; focal point of interference, trade, and Indo-Pacific concerns.
RussiaArctic neighbour and adversary in NATO's eastern flank deterrence posture.
IndiaDiaspora-linked partner whose ties collapsed over the Nijjar assassination dispute.
- Germany
Key European partner for trade (CETA), energy diplomacy, and transatlantic coordination.
Internal Dynamics, Governance, and Political Debates in Canada
Key players
- Canada
Federal state managing intergovernmental, Indigenous, and partisan tensions.
- United States
External reference point shaping economic, migration, and culture-war spillovers.
United KingdomConstitutional and parliamentary template; monarch remains head of state.
FranceCultural and institutional reference for Québec and francophone governance debates.
History, Memory, and Identity in Canada
Key players
- Canada
State engaged in reconciliation, official bilingualism, and multicultural identity policy.
- United Kingdom
Former imperial power whose colonial legacy structures legal and memorial debates.
- France
Source of francophone heritage central to Québécois identity and memory.
- United States
Constant cultural counterpoint against which Canadian distinctiveness is articulated.
Cultures, Literatures, Media, and Social Imaginaries of Canada
Key players
- Canada
Regulator and funder of a bilingual, multicultural, and Indigenous-inclusive cultural sphere.
- United States
Dominant cultural exporter and host of the platforms shaping Canadian media markets.
- France
Partner in francophone cultural production and co-production agreements.
- United Kingdom
Anglophone literary and broadcasting reference point, including BBC-CBC ties.
- Germany
Major European market for Canadian literature, film, and Canadian Studies scholarship.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 48th Annual Conference of the Association for Canadian Studies in German‑speaking Countries.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance