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Journal of Amhara 2nd International Scientific Conference
May 23-24, 2026 | Washington DC, USA. In person
Theme: Re-Conceptualizing Amhara Resilience: From Survival Struggle to Reimagining Political Futures.
The Journal of Amhara invites scholars, practitioners, and advocates to submit original papers for presentation at its upcoming international conference, scheduled for May 23-24 [Saturday and Sunday], 2026.
The Amhara people have experienced profound political, social, and humanitarian challenges in recent decades, including genocide, displacement, cultural erasure, and systemic marginalization. At the same time, Amhara communities, both within Ethiopia and across the diaspora, have demonstrated remarkable resilience, intellectual leadership, and grassroots mobilization.
This conference seeks to move beyond the traditional framing of Amhara existence as survival under threat. Instead, it aims to re-conceptualize resilience as a foundation for reimagining political futures, rebuilding institutions, restoring dignity, and charting new pathways toward peace, justice, and sustainable governance.
We welcome interdisciplinary contributions that engage with history, politics, trauma, law,
anthropology, media, cultural studies, religion, and peace building. The conference accepts papers that align to the Journal of Amhara’s mission of preserving heritages, advancing wisdom and inspiring the future of the Amhara, and contributing to human civilization.
CONFERENCE THEMES AND TOPIC AREAS
This call for papers accepts contributions, but are not limited to, on the following topics:
Rethinking Historical Foundations
The 16th–17th century’s Ethiopian Historical Phenomenon, its impact on the Amhara People and reinterpretations of early state formation
Emperor Menelik II: policies, narratives, and political myth making
Historic origins of grievances and anti-Amhara violence
Political and Historical Trajectories of Amhara Marginalization
The Amhara People under the “revolutionary DERG” regime
Identity imposition, exclusion, and state violence during the EPRDF/TPLF, and PP era
Displacement, demographic engineering, and administrative disenfranchisement
Traditions of resistance and grassroots mobilization
Ethno-Federalism and Comparative Political Systems
Amhara representation challenges within Ethiopia’s federal structure
Minorities in non-homeland regions: rights, vulnerabilities, and political exclusion
Lessons from global federal systems
Diaspora Engagement, Media, and Cultural Advocacy
Diaspora influence on international policy and public opinion
Misinformation, propaganda, and digital resistance
Cultural heritage as a site of political struggle and identity renewal
The War on Amhara
Documentation of killings, mass displacement, sexual violence, and religious attacks
Patterns of state complicity, armed-group violence, and targeted persecution
Polarization, hate speech, and genocide prevention
Memory, Trauma, and Narrative Justice
Collective trauma and generational healing
Truth-telling, documentation, and historical correction
The narrative power of civil and armed resistance movements
Ethics of Scholarship in Post-Conflict Contexts
Scholar responsibilities in disputed histories and ongoing violence
Ethical research methodologies in conflict zones
The role of academic institutions in transitional justice and reconciliation
Deconstructing Anti-Amhara Tropes
Origins of “Amhara as colonizers” narratives
Modern political weaponization of identity
Media, textbooks, and global academic misrepresentations
Pathways to Peace, Reconstruction, and Restoration
Post-war governance models
Community rebuilding and economic revitalization
Religious institutions, elders, and traditional conflict resolution
Visions for long-term political futures of the Amhara people
Additional Relevant Topics
Submissions addressing other aspects of Amhara experience, political futures, identity, or resilience are encouraged.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts (300-400 words) should clearly state the research question, methodology, and
contribution to the conference theme.
Full papers are welcome from diverse disciplines, including history, political science, area studies, law, sociology, peace studies, and media studies.
Submissions must be original and not under review elsewhere.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: February 13, 2026
Full Paper Submission: March 13, 2026
Conference Date: 23rd and 24th (Saturday and Sunday) of May 2026
Contact
For submissions and inquiries, please email: editorinchief@journalofamhara.org
Join us in advancing scholarship, justice, and peace by reconceptualizing Amhara resilience and reimagining Ethiopia’s political future.
