Mastering Smallness: Strategies and Practices of Small-Scale Actors
Early Career Scholars Conference “Mastering smallness: Strategies and Practices of Small-Scale Actors” organized by Herder Institute for Historical Research on East Central Europe (Marburg, Germany), the Institute for Lithuanian History (Vilnius, Lithuania) and the Northeast Institute (Institute for the Culture and History of Germans in Northeast Europe – IKGN e.V., Lüneburg, Germany)
Venue: Lithuanian Institute of History (17 Tilto Street, Vilnius, Lithuania), conference hall
Date: October 20-21, 2026
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wann
| Wann | 20.-21. Oktober |
| Wo | Lithuanian Institute of History (17 Tilto Street, Vilnius, Lithuania), conference hall |
Smallness
The aim of the conference is to reflect on the concept of smallness from a historical perspective. Small states, communities and businesses have traditionally been framed as rule-takers rather than rule-makers in times of crisis, constraint or increasing globalization. However, as history has proven, smallness can be an asset rather than a weakness, offering room to maneuver that is unavailable to “big players.”
Small-scale actors have often developed and employed various strategies to resist the pressure of homogenization, hegemonization or monopolization, preserving distinct identities and proving their resilience by defending their national, local or regional interests and thus influencing broader developments.
Beyond political and economic dimensions, the conference also seeks to explore innovative practices, artistic production, and participatory forms that shape and reflect experiences of smallness.
