Call for Papers "Churches, States, and Politics in the Armenian Diaspora"

Armenian Research Center
University of Michigan–Dearborn

Dates: April  9–11, 2027

Conference Description

The Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical churches have typically been among the very first organizations to establish structures in newly formed Armenian expatriate communities. Moreover, these churches have proven to be the most enduring Armenian diasporic institutions across successive generations of migrants and their descendants. 

Throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, these churches have operated in the Armenian Diaspora under significantly different state-religion regimes, while remaining connected to other Armenian churches through their respective transnational networks. To sustain their spiritual mission and continue serving their respective communities, these churches have continually adapted to the political systems and socio-cultural contexts of local societies, developing relationships with national and local state authorities. 

In addition, the longstanding tradition of lay participation in the governance of the Armenian Apostolic Church has often drawn it into political disputes within the Armenian diasporic communities it serves. These political rivalries have occasionally affected the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical churches as well.

To explore these dynamics, the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan–Dearborn will host a multidisciplinary academic conference, “Churches, States, and Politics in the Armenian Diaspora,” on its campus from April 9–11, 2027.

Themes and Topics

This conference seeks to explore the different legal and constitutional frameworks under which the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical churches have operated outside the territory of the Republic of Armenia during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It will also investigate patterns of political involvement by diasporan Armenian clergy and church institutions, as well as the ways in which various states and political organizations have instrumentalized these churches for political purposes.

In addition to empirically grounded case studies, the organizers welcome theoretically informed and comparative approaches. Possible analytical frameworks may include (but are not limited to): diasporic and transnational governance; religion-state regimes; legal pluralism and overlapping authorities; long-distance nationalism; churches as intermediaries between local populations, state institutions, transnational communities, and international actors; and political ramifications of generational succession. Studies comparing Armenian and non-Armenian cases are also welcome.

Submissions are expected from scholars in history, political science, international relations, religious studies, sociology, anthropology, and related fields.

Submission guidelines

Deadline: September 1, 2026.

Materials: Submit an abstract of up to 300 words with a current CV to <[email protected]>.

Notification: Accepted papers will be announced by October 15, 2026.

Language of the Conference: 

The primary language of the conference will be English. The organizers may accept exceptionally strong papers in Armenian or French, provided that the participant submits, prior to the conference, either a detailed English summary or a full English translation. The English version will be circulated to conference attendees.

Travel and Accommodation

• Participants with appointments at established universities or research centers are encouraged to seek travel funding from their institutions.
• The Armenian Research Center will cover travel expenses for other invited participants.
• Applicants without access to external funding should submit a request for travel assistance to the conference organizers.
• Speakers from Armenia may apply for the Short-Term Conference and Travel Grants offered by the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Portugal).

All invited participants will be provided with accommodation and meals for the duration of the conference.