The 21st Professor Andrzej Bartnicki Forum for the Advanced Studies of the United States
America and the World: A Reciprocal History of Influence and Exchange
University of Warsaw
June 26–28, 2026
In celebration of 50 years of the American Studies Center, University of Warsaw
Call for Papers
In 2026, the American Studies Center at the University of Warsaw celebrates its 50th anniversary, a landmark occasion that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. To mark these dual jubilees, we invite scholars to submit papers that explore the past, present, and future of the United States, its global impact, and the evolving role of American Studies as a field of inquiry.
While the USA is a relatively young state, its history has been dynamic, complex, and globally consequential across political, social, economic, and cultural spheres. Initially, the American presence in world affairs was modest compared to that of older European powers, particularly Britain and France. Over time, however, territorial expansion, industrialization, overseas engagements, and a decisive role in two world wars propelled the U.S. into the position of a superpower. Its global impact has since been extended through military power, diplomacy, proxy wars, technological and economic leadership, and the spread of popular culture.
Yet the story of America’s development has never been one-directional. The United States has been continually shaped by global interactions: Enlightenment philosophies from Europe, the Napoleonic Wars and Louisiana Purchase, successive waves of migration, the British model of the Industrial Revolution, alliances in World Wars I and II, Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union, the global war on terror after 9/11, as well as recent phenomena such as climate crises and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 21st Forum of the American Studies Center invites scholars to submit paper proposals addressing the diverse dimensions of American interactions with the world, past and present.
We especially encourage contributions that:
- draw on new sources and methodologies
- revisit and revise established interpretations
- offer fresh perspectives on widely held assumptions
- explore the most recent trends and developments
We welcome:
- case studies and detailed analyses
- comparative examinations
- broader overviews and syntheses
The Forum aims to reflect the interdisciplinary diversity of Polish Americanist scholarship and beyond, drawing from history, political science, sociology, economics, cultural studies, literary studies, and other fields.
Proposals of 20-minute presentations (250-300 words) and biographical notes (ca. 150 words, including name, affiliation, and main publications or research interests) should be sent to Prof. Włodzimierz Batóg (w.batog@uw.edu.pl)
Proposal submission deadline: January 31, 2026
Notification of acceptance: March 1, 2026
Conference languages: English and Polish
