ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Friday 30 September – Monday October 3, 2011

NATION, STATE AND LIBERTY

The aim of the founders of the Mont Pelerin Society “…..to facilitate an exchange of ideas between like-minded scholars in the hope of strengthening the principles and practice of a free society” is as pertinent today as it was in 1947 when the society was founded.

Come and join this important discussion on the  vexed relationship between nation and state and the role and boundaries of the state as they relate to individual liberty: challenging issues that are particularly relevant in an area that includes the Balkans, ex-Soviet Republics and the Middle East.

A well informed and lively debate is anticipated amongst Mont Pelerin Society members and guests, many of whom will live in the region and share a burning commitment to freedom.

This is a unique opportunity to listen to top class speakers, meet like minded people from around the world and enjoy the wonder and beauty of Istanbul, a city at the intersection of continents and cultures with a fascinating history and vibrant arts.

Venue

The Marmara Hotel in Taksim Square, central Istanbul, offers everything needed for a memorable stay and top class conference but as from July 15th 2011 all rooms at the preferential rate in our room block at the Marmara are taken however there is still a choice of two other very local hotels and further information about hotels can be found on the accommodation page.

Organising Committee

John Blundell (USA)

Ozlem Caglar-Yilmaz (Turkey)

Professor Mustafa Erdogan (Turkey)

Professor Julian Morris (UK)

Professor Bican Sahin (Turkey)

Professor Veselin Vukotic (Montenegro)

Linda Whetstone, joint chairman (UK)

Professor Atilla Yayla, joint chairman (Turkey)

The administration of the conference will be shared between the Association for Liberal Thinking in Ankara (mpsistanbul at liberal.org.tr) and the Network for a Free Society which was previously International Policy Network UK. (linda at policynetwork.net) (replace at with @)

Timetable

Friday 30 September

Reception & Opening dinner from 6.30pm

Saturday 1 October

Full day of conference

Sunday 2 October

The full day excursion will visit the world famous sites of St Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome in the morning, followed by lunch after which there will be a private boat trip on the Bosphorus.

Partner tours will take place on Saturday October 1st and Monday October 3rd. Further details can be found at the bottom of the programme page.

Monday 3 October

Full day of conference and Gala dinner at the Dahill Resaurant with stunning views of the Bosphorus.

If you would like us to keep you informed of further developments regarding this meeting, please fill in the form below and we will add your name to the list.