Riga Readings @ Advanced Social and Political Research Institute

How to integrate digital and creative innovation in diplomatic processes.

Lecture The Transformation of Diplomacy: Digitalization and Innovation @ Advanced Social and Political Research Institute, Riga Readings in Social Sciences, University of Latvia, Riga, 22-23 November 2018

How to integrate digital and creative innovation in diplomatic processes.

We are experiencing a structural change in the function of embassies within the European unification process, as well as more generally due to the changing role of the nation state in our globalized and increasingly digital and networked world.

The combination of physical and media space, of local place and digital networks, is coined Hybrid Space. Space today is transformed by technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) or Mixed Reality, becoming increasingly hybrid. With the Internet of Things (IoT) Hybrid Space is becoming ubiquitous. Artificial Intelligence and Big Data have the ambition and potential to algorithmically manage these Hybrid Spaces.

AR/VRxIoT +AI +?
= Hybrid Space

Program

Thursday 22 November 2018
9:00-10:45
Opening

Opening: Prof. Jānis Ikstens, Vice-rector of social and legal sciences, University of Latvia, Prof. Juris Rozenvalds, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Latvia
Keynote: Dr. Corneliu Bjola, University of Oxford: The digital transformation of diplomacy/social sciences
Keynote: Dr. Daunis Auers, University of Latvia:, The Baltic states at 100… How about the next 100?

11:30-13:00
Parallel Sessions 1

1. Historical memory and identity,
Chair: Prof. Ivars Ījabs, University of Latvia
Bradley D. Woodworth, University of New Haven; Coordinator of Baltic Studies, Yale University: Development of Civil Society in the Tsarist-Era Multiethnic Baltic Region: the Case of Tallinn
Sarah Goldwasser, University of California, Berkeley: The Rhetoric of Buried Testimony: Memory and Absence from the Warsaw Ghetto
Ana Khvedeliani, Javakhishvili, Tbilisi State University: Main aspects of Georgian Nationalism from the past to present
Edgars Engīzers, Baltic International Academy: Daily life of Clio: Politics of history, popular history and scientific history in contemporary Latvia

2. Russia’s rhetoric and influence
Chair: Researcher Sigita Struberga, University of Latvia
Balki Begumhan Bayan and Jonathan Parker, University College London: Exploring the International Dimensions of Legitimacy: A Case Study of Russia
Juris Pupčenoks, Marist College, New York: Russian Rhetoric at the United Nations towards Interventions in Georgia and Ukraine: What does It Mean for the Baltic States?
Andis Kudors, Centre for East European Policy Studies: The Russian Orthodox Church in Russian Public Diplomacy: the Case of Illegal Annexation of Crimea
Mārtiņš Hiršs, Center for Security and Strategic Research, National Defense Academy of Latvia: The Extent of Russia’s influence in Latvia

3. Social care and discrimination
Chair: Assoc. Prof. Baiba Bela, University of Latvia
Lolita Vilka and Marika Lotko, Riga Stradina University: Critical perspective towards social work in the context of social transformations in Latvia
Feliciana Rajevska, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, and Olga Rajevska, University of Latvia: European Commission as actor of social policy making in Latvia
Katrīne Kūkoja , Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences; HESPI: The effect of pre-school education on children’s academic achievements in elementary schools case study of Valmiera
Marina Makarova, Udmurt State University and Jurijs Ņikišins, University of Latvia: Factors of student misconduct and university integrity system in Latvia

14:30-16:00
Parallel Sessions 2

1. National and cultural memories
Chair: Bradley D. Woodworth, University of New Haven; Coordinator of Baltic Studies, Yale University
Monika Wojcik-Zoladek, University of Warsaw: On enemy soil. The Great Patriotic War as a founding myth of the Kaliningrad region Olga Dianova, Russian Orthodox University: The Union Church and the Politics of prosecution
Dmitrijs Andrejevs, University of Manchester: National calendars and the social organisation of national memories in the Baltic states
Andrzej Kapusta, Maria Curie  Sklodovska University: Modernity, Expert Knowledge and Personal Change

2. Public diplomacy and perception in foreign policy
Chair: Corneliu Bjola, University of Oxford
Jana Peterkova, University of Economics in Prague: Which Way for Czechia – How to Construct the Nation’s Image?
Boštjan Udovič, University of Ljubljana: The regionalisation and centrism in small states’ diplomatic relations: a case of mutual disinterest between Baltic and Western Balkans countries
Pēteris Timofejevs Henriksson, Umeå University: Foreign policy ideas of populist radical right parties: The Baltic exceptionalism? Gunda Reire, Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Director of the Center for International Studies: Perception Matters: Anger, Fear and Hope in Latvia’s Foreign Policy

3. Biocultural rights, social ecology and discrimination
Chair: Līga Rasnača, University of Latvia
Jolanta Kuznecoviene, Vytautas Magnus University: Bio power, medical life prolonging technologies and dignity at the end of life Renārs Felcis, University of Latvia: Voice for self- determination: biocultural rights in governing common resources
Baiba Baikovska, Riga Stradina University: Reflection of ratification of UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in Latvia from March 31, 2010 till June 30, 2018 in Latvian media
Vita Savicka and Aija Kažoka, Riga Stradina University: Green Corridor for oncological patients – implementation and development communication in the framework of both social ecology model and political discourse.

4. Information literacy
Chair: Baiba Holma, University of Latvia
Baiba Holma, University of Latvia: A model of competencies for everyday life information literacy
Ineta Kivle, Academic Library of the University of Latvia: Interdisciplinarity of research library: Phronesis & Praxis & Paideia
Sandra Cīrule, University of Latvia: Small rural library and local community: attendance, assistance, identity
Andrzej Adamski, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow: A book of the digital world: chances and threats

16:30-18:00
Parallel Sessions 3

1. Local social movements: theoretical and empirical perspectives. The case of Baltic Sea Region
Chair: Juris Rozenvalds, University of Latvia
Diāna Kalniņa, Riga Stradina University: Change in attitudes toward civic activity in different socio-demographic groups of Latvia’s population over the last 15 years
Marta Čubajevaitė, Vytautas Magnus University: NGO development in Lithuania: an empirical overview
Agnieszka Ziętek, Maria Curie Sklodowska University: From participatory culture to civic culture. The case of local social movements in Poland

2. The transformation of diplomacy: digitalization and innovation
Chair: Didzis Klavins, University of Latvia
Prof. Elizabeth Sikiaridi and Prof. Frans Vogelaar, Hybrid Space Lab, Hybrid Diplomacy: How to integrate digital and creative innovation in diplomatic processes
Madeleine Myatt , University of Bielefeld: Cyber as diplomatic arena of public and private actors? European Cyber Diplomacy between enhancing competitiveness and technological innovation and the export-regulation of digital surveillance goods
Lise H. Andersen, University College London: Tech Diplomacy: A Network for the Baltic Sea States?

3. Media in the Baltic States I
Chair: Indrek Ibrus, Tallinn University
Ragne Kõuts-Klemm, Tartu University: News consumption among Estonian audiences
Deimants Jastramskis, Vilnius University: Regulation of public broadcaster in Lithuania
Anda Rožukalne, Riga Stradina University: Pluralism and concentration trends in media environment of Latvia (2015 – 2018)
Linda Saulīte, Turiba University: Media digitalization impact on media consumption in Latvia. Emerging trends in news consumption among the younger audience (15-24 y.o) in Latvia

4. Language, identity and cultural heritage
Chair: Stephan Kessler, University of Greifswald
Eugenijus Žmuida, The Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore: The Lithuanian National Identity and Avant-garde in the Lithuanian poetry before and after The Great War
Anastasija Kostiučenko and Stephan Kessler, University of Greifswald: Language Situation and Social Relations in Lithuania Anastasija Tetarenko , University of Latvia: Channels of political communication and persuasion strategies in securitization of educational language in Latvia (2017-2018)
Agnese Treimane and Līga Vinogradova, Latvian Academy of Culture: Role of education in preserving cultural heritage: Latvian Song and Dance Celebration Case
Andrejs Kulnieks, Trent University: Poetic Inquiry as a space for musical literacy: Understanding eco-justice education through history, culture and identity

Friday 23 November 2018
9:00-11:00
Parallel Sessions 4

1. Democracy and contemporary governance
Chair: Research Associate Kim Henningsen, University of Hamburg
Juris Rozenvalds, University of Latvia: Political competition and inter-ethnic relations in post- Soviet political development of the Baltic States
Katarzyna Szwed, University of Rzeszow: The instruments of direct-democracy in Estonia
Jānis Ikstens, University of Latvia: Administrative reform and electability of candidates in municipal elections in Latvia
Inese Āboliņa, University of Latvia: Presidential decision- making on suspensive veto in Latvia: Raimonds Vējonis
Andrea Romeo, University of Catanzaro: Torture, democracy and professional morality

2. Diaspora and cultural diplomacy
Chair: Gunda Reire, Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Director of the Center for International Studies
Aistė Žemaitytė, Vytautas Magnus University: The phenomenon of diasporas in the field of international and local policy
Neil Collins and Kristina Bekenova, Nazarbayev University: Preserving cultural memory: Baltic diaspora communities in Kazakhstan
Ieva Birka, University of Latvia: Harnessing the economic potential of the Latvian diaspora
Evija Zača, University of Latvia: Factors for youth to return to Latvia for life
Baiba Bela, University of Latvia: Social networks and collaboration practices between scientists in Latvia and scientists of Latvian descent worldwide

3. Media in the Baltic States II
Chair: Prof. Anda Rožukalne, Riga Stradina University
Viktor Denisenko, Vilnius University: The role of mass- media facing propaganda’s challenge: Lithuanian case
Sandra Murinska , Rezekne Academy of Technologies: Hyperlocal news media in Latvia: traditional or citizen journalism?
Raivis Vilūns, University of Latvia: Tabloidisation of Latvian online media: crisis in Latvian banking system
Ainars Dimants, Turiba University: New regulations for Latvian public service media – one step forward and two steps back?
Mārtiņš Pričins, University of Latvia: Comparison of Saeima pre-election campaigns of political parties in Latvian media

11:30-13:00
Parallel Sessions 5

1. Peace research and security
Chairs: Otto Tabuns, Riga Graduate School of Law
Ginger Guzman, Tallinn University and John J. Tierney, Institute of World Politics: ‘The Equalizer’ – historical developments that have changed international dynamics
Olevs Nikers, Texas A&M University, The Jamestown Foundation: Intraregional security cooperation – what the Baltics can offer for a stronger alliance
Uģis Romanovs, Riga Stradina University: Assessment of NATO’s extended deterrence strategy in the context of security dilemma concept

2. International migration and cultural learning
Chair: Neil Collins, Nazarbayev University
Kim Henningsen, University of Hamburg: Legitimacy in International Law Problematising the status quo of international migration/refugee law and sketching a new approach to conceptualising the notion of legitimacy
Muhammed Abdulai, Tallinn University: Migration, mobility and intercultural learning in study abroad programs: the case of Germany and Ghana educational exchange program
Layla Zibar, Brandenburg University of Technology: Boundary making through refugee spatial practices in frames of time, refugee experience and collective memory in isolated refugee camps.
Ryo Nakai, University of Kitakyushyu: Compassing honest and diverse attitude toward immigrants in Latvia and Estonia: Empirical result from an experimental survey

3. Media and communication
Chair: Assist. Prof. Didzis Bērziņš, University of Latvia
Andrius Vaišnys and Valius Venckūnas, Vilnius University: The transformation of the communist media model: journalism, power and values in the season of 1987/1988
Didzis Bērziņš, University of Latvia: Representation of “crime” in the Latvian SSR: Constructing Zigurds Dreimanis
Lidia Pokrzycka, Maria Curie Sklodowska University: Investments of media corporations in the Polish regional press after 2008 Marita Zitmane, University of Latvia: Gender representation in 2018 parliamentary election campaign in Latvia: analysis of print advertisements

4. Data protection, liability and human rights
Chair: Leonardo Mellace, University of Catanzaro
Irena Nesterova, University of Latvia: The changing relationship between privacy and security in the data age
Antonino Cintorino, University of Catanzaro: The “Causation in Law” great influence in the Italian civil liability debate
Irina Kuzmina: Phenomenon of undocumented work in the Baltics and across the EU: sociological aspects and means to fight it.

14:30-16:00
Parallel Sessions 6

1. Territorial development and innovations
Chair: Prof. Aija Zobena, University of Latvia
Santa Usāne, University of Latvia: State Border as a Boundary Object Between Different Social Worlds
Mykolė Lukošienė, Vytautas Magnus University: Marking territory in transforming neighbourhood: Šančiai parade “Chair” and heterotopia of the “Cabbage field”
Talis Tisenkopfs, University of Latvia: Social sciences for innovation, change and inclusion

2. Foreign policy then and now
Chair: Dr. Toms Rostoks, University of Latvia
Katrine Thorhauge Christensen, Danish Institute of International Studies: Punching above its weight – Danish foreign policy towards the Baltic states in 1988-1991
Austėja Masiokaitė-Liubinienė, Kaunas University of Technology: The Baltic States in the historical discourse of the West: the narrative of the New Cold War
Leonardo Mellace, University of Catanzaro: EU: Quo vadis? Chloe Bingham, American Graduate School of Paris: The impact of presidential grand strategies on United State’s positionally

3. Cultural memory and identity
Chair: Sarah Goldwasser, University of California, Berkeley
Anja Wilhelmi, Nordost-Institut at the University of Hamburg: Between Nationalism and Cosmopolitism. 1918 – a Turning Point for Cultural Practices? The Examples of the musicians Hans Schmidt and Monika Hunnius
Viktors Freibergs, University of Latvia: When the Time is Out of Joint: Juraj Herz’s film The Cremator (1969)
Gyuchan Jeon, Korea National University of Arts: Going beyond the Border, Inter- coursing with the Others: A cultural study ‘outsider’ becomes a historiography- writing traveler of the Baltic genocide
Marija Semjonova, University of Latvia: Construction and Transformation of the Category of Gender within the Virtual Gaming Communities: a Short Insight

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