The Dayton Agreement at 30: Legal Reflections, Politics of Fragmentation and the Future of Peacebuilding

The Dayton Agreement at 30: Legal Reflections, Politics of Fragmentation and the Future of Peacebuilding

28-29 November 2025, Istanbul University – Türkiye
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Call for Papers

This Conference on International Law, “The Dayton Agreement at 30: Legal Reflections, Politics of Fragmentation and the Future of Peacebuilding” invites scholars, legal practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to submit papers exploring the legal, political, and socio-economic implications of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) 30 years after its signing. This conference seeks to critically assess the successes, challenges, and future prospects of the DPA in shaping peace, governance, and legal frameworks in the Western Balkans and beyond.

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Conference Objectives

The primary objectives of this conference are to:

• Assess the Dayton Peace Agreement’s Legacy
• Explore Legal and Political Implications
• Address Challenges and Reforms
• Draw Lessons for International Law and Peacebuilding
• Foster Dialogue Among Scholars and Practitioners

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Conference Themes

The conference will cover a range of interdisciplinary topics, including but not limited to:

• Legal Foundations and Structure of the Dayton Peace Agreement
• Ethnic Power-Sharing and Governance Challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• The Role of International Law in Post-Conflict Peace Agreements
• Human Rights and Minority Protections Under the DPA
• International Actors and Their Influence on the Dayton Process
• Transitional Justice, War Crimes Prosecutions, and Reconciliation Efforts
• Economic and Institutional Development in the Post-Dayton Era
• Comparative Analysis of Other Peace Agreements and Their Effectiveness
• The Role of the EU, NATO, and Other International Organizations in the DPA’s Implementation
• Reforming the Dayton Framework: Pathways for Future Constitutional and Legal Reforms
• Global Implications of the Dayton Experience: Lessons for Contemporary and Future Peace Agreements

We look forward to engaging discussions that contribute to a deeper understanding of the Dayton Peace Agreement’s legal and political legacy while offering new perspectives for the future of peace and governance in the region.

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Submission Guidelines

We invite submissions of abstracts that address any of the above themes. Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and must be submitted by June 30, 2025. Please include a title, author name, affiliation, and contact information. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by July 10, 2025.
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Costs

There is no registration fee for participating in the conference. We are pleased to offer funding for travel and accommodation expenses for a select number of papers, subject to review and approval.
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Conference Organizer: Istanbul University, Balkan Studies Foundation, WOLAS, International University of Sarajevo, University of Sarajevo Institute of History.
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Conference Schedule

May 05, 2025, Announcement of the conference

June 30, 2025, Deadline for abstracts

July 10, 2025, Announcement of the Accepted Abstracts

October 20, 2025, Deadline for full papers

November 10, 2025, Announcement of the Conference program

November 28-29, 2025, Conference Date

March 2026, Publication of the selected papers

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Application Form: 

https://forms.gle/FbQi8KFPfc9Zg8H97

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Organizing Committee

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Basri Bülbül, Boğaziçi University (Türkiye)

Dr. Sevba Abdula, Balkan Studies Foundation (North Macedonia)

Dr. Sedad Bešlija, University of Sarajevo Institute of History (Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Dr. Hamza Preljevic, International University of Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Prof. Dr. Admir Mulaosmanovic, Balikesir University (Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Deniz Baran, Istanbul University (Türkiye)

Ömer Doğubey Aslan, WOLAS (Türkiye)

Nermin Talaat JadAllah, WOLAS (Türkiye)

Hanife Etem, Balkan Studies Foundation (North Macedonia)

Elif R. Nazim, Balkan Studies Foundation (North Macedonia)      

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Scientific Committee 

Prof. Dr. Ali Emrah Bozbayındır (Türkiye)

Prof. Dr. Admir Mulaosmanovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal (Türkiye)

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hacisalioğlu (Germany)

Prof. Dr. Berdal Aral (Türkiye)

Prof. Dr. Yücel Acer (Türkiye)

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Kaya (Türkiye)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Karaoğlu (Türkiye)

Assist. Prof. Dr. Muhammet Celal Kul (Türkiye)

Dr. Jasmin Medić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Dr. Mumaer Džananović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Dr. Muhammet Beheşti Aydoğan (Türkiye)

Dr. Hikmet Karčić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Dr. Edin Omerčić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Dr. Harun Halilovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)