10th EuroISME Annual Conference
Conference Center of the Federal Minister of Defense
Berlin, Germany
rescheduled for 5-7 May 2021 (planned for 2020, postponed due to COVID-19)
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, EuroISME’s conference of May 2020 conference has been re-scheduled to take place from 5-7 May 2021. Given the unpredictability of virus developments, EuroISME will decide at a later stage on the exact format of the conference. We hope that the situation will have improved enough to allow us to hold a physical conference. However, we are aware that an online (or a hybrid physical/online) conference might be unavoidable. We shall decide on which format to adopt nearer the time, when the situation is clearer, not only relating to the virus, but also concerning the impact likely travel restrictions may have.
Nonetheless, EuroISME hereby issues its updated Call for Papers.
The authors of submissions which had been accepted in anticipation of our (re- scheduled) conference of 2020, will receive a separate notification: in principle, the “accepted” status of their submission remains valid and they are kindly encouraged to present their paper in May 2021. EuroISME has a number of time-slots available for “new” submissions, i.e. submissions which had not been made in anticipation of the conference of last May. Thus, also “new” submissions will be welcomed; they will be assessed by the programme committee.
Conference Topic
Urban warfare represents one of the most challenging aspects of warfare. Viewed from the perspective of command & control, it is difficult to manage. Viewed from the perspective of the laws of war, it is troublesome. Viewed from the perspective of humanitarian relief, it becomes near-impossible to bring either safety to the people, or, alternatively, to bring the people to safety. Seen from the perspective of human rights, no basic rights appear to exist, other than the law of the jungle. Quarters, streets and even houses can change hands several times in as many weeks. Killing becomes, almost inevitably, indiscriminate.
Frequently, urban warfare is asymmetric. It is a war of David versus Goliath, where Davids of this world are able to reduce the military might of superpowers to a stone age type of warfare, almost literally. Urban warfare is also a propaganda war. It emphasises the collateral damage caused by one side, while non-sovereign pyjama-wearing fighters are firing RPG’s at civilian population centres from behind their own civilian population. They fight with virtual impunity; regular soldiers usually do not. These characteristics encompass the quintessential challenge of the military commander in practically every battlefield today. This challenge is characterised as humongous. Even where urban wars are not asymmetric, the stone age hallmarks are usually still in place.
Submissions
The deadline for submissions is February 1st, 2021; submissions should be made via the online submission form available by clicking here.
Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Please consult the full Call for Papers (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Ms. Ivana Gošić via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions with regard to the conference or submissions.
Program
Info on the program will follow in due time
Practical information
Practical information will follow in due time