CALL FOR PAPERS: The Hungarian Revolution and the European Idea

The Hungarian Revolution and the European Idea

From the Legacy of 1956 to EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans

Tirana, July 2026  - On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) invites scholars, historians and researchers to submit papers for a special AIIS Academy and a special issue of its academic journal, Tirana Observatory.

The Hungarian Revolution was one of the most powerful expressions of resistance to Soviet domination during the Cold War. It embodied the aspirations of the Hungarian people for national independence, political freedom, democratic government and the right to determine their own future.

Although the revolution was suppressed militarily, its message survived and inspired later movements for freedom across Central and Eastern Europe. Its legacy extends beyond Hungary, representing a decisive moment in the wider struggle against authoritarian rule and foreign domination.

The events of 1956 also had implications for Albania, despite the country’s political isolation and the rigid nature of its communist regime. The response of the Albanian leadership to the revolution, its interpretation of the events and their influence on Albania’s position within the communist bloc remain important areas for historical research.

The Hungarian Revolution was also closely connected to the broader European idea: a Europe founded on freedom, democracy, national sovereignty and cooperation among its peoples. The reunification of Europe and the enlargement of the European Union later transformed these principles into a political and institutional project.

Today, as Albania and the Western Balkans seek full membership in the European Union, the legacy of 1956 remains highly relevant. The AIIS Academy will connect the historical experience of the Hungarian Revolution with contemporary debates on European integration, Hungary’s role in EU enlargement and the future of the Western Balkans within a united Europe.

 

Suggested Topics

Proposals may address, but are not limited to:

  • The Hungarian Revolution and resistance to Soviet domination;
  • The significance of 1956 during the Cold War;
  • The impact of the revolution on Central and Eastern Europe;
  • The response of Albania’s communist leadership to the revolution;
  • The influence of 1956 on political developments in Albania;
  • The legacy of the revolution for freedom, democracy and national sovereignty;
  • The Hungarian Revolution and the European idea;
  • Hungary’s role in EU enlargement;
  • The European integration of Albania and the Western Balkans.

Comparative studies and papers based on archival materials, diplomatic documents and previously unpublished sources are particularly welcome.

 

Submission and Publication

Selected authors will be invited to present their papers at a special AIIS Academy, organised as an academic conference in Tirana.

Following the conference and an academic review process, selected papers will be published in a special issue of Tirana Observatory.

 

Important Dates and Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission

Deadline: 2 October 2026

Abstracts should be 200–300 words and include the paper title, research question, main argument, methodology, principal sources, five keywords, institutional affiliation and a short biography.

 

Full Paper Submission

Deadline: 30 November 2026

Full papers should:

  • Be 8,000–12,000 words, including footnotes but excluding the bibliography;
  • Be written in English and submitted in Microsoft Word;
  • Include an abstract, five keywords, methodology, analysis, conclusions and bibliography;
  • Follow the Chicago Manual of Style, Notes and Bibliography system, using footnotes;
  • Be original, unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere.

Tables, figures and photographs should include titles, sources and any required publication permissions. All papers will be subject to academic and editorial review.

 

Submissions should be sent to:

Email: aiis@aiis-albania.org

Subject: Call for Papers – The Hungarian Revolution and the European Idea

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