The 2016 issues of Networks and Neighbours will be dedicated to exploring the concept of ‘world history’ in the context of Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.

As usual for N&N, we see several possible readings of this issue’s theme – both historical and historiographical – which will allow a diversity of responses. From a historical perspective, ‘universal’ or ‘world’ history was one of the most notable ways in which late antique and early medieval authors constructed their histories and chronicles, beginning with the Chronicle of Eusebius, which was continued in myriad forms and spawned many imitators. What provoked authors to attempt to write this sort of history? What limitations did they face? Above all, can this really be considered a ‘genre’ in the modern sense? Meanwhile, from a historiographical perspective, modern scholars are increasingly aware of the need to approach the discipline of history globally, abandoning traditional national and continental limitations in order to provide comparisons between concurrent developments in different parts of the world. The benefits of such an approach are readily apparent, especially for historians of the Byzantine and Islamic worlds, as are the potentials for collaboration with scholars whose training lies wholly outside the western historiographical tradition. But what are the dangers of such comparative approaches? And is it even possible to speak or write of a ‘global’ Early Middle Ages?

We welcome papers on any of these topics as well as any other related issues, perspectives, and interpretations. We encourage papers dealing with historiographical questions, and also enquiries about the role of early medieval historians in public dialogue. As is the tradition of Networks and Neighbours, these suggestions are not meant to be prescriptive. Though we look forward to submissions which question, develop, or reject altogether our plural notions and interpretations of ‘world history’, we also welcome submissions on any other aspect of Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, which fits with the overall philosophy of Networks and Neighbours.

Abstracts for proposed articles should be received by 31 August 2015, with full papers to be submitted electronically by 30 September 2015. Articles received after this date but before 15 March 2016 will be considered for publication in the July 2016 issue. Prospective articles will be between 6,000-10,000 words (including footnotes but excluding the bibliography), prepared for blind review, and accompanied by an article summary of approximately 250 words. In addition to scholarly articles the editors of N&N also invite book reviews as well as reports from conferences, exhibitions, masterclasses and other relevant events. As always, Networks and Neighbours will accept articles in any modern language, although an English abstract is required for all submissions.