Notice of the 7th "International Forum on Socialism" Conference

To strengthen the exchange of Marxist theory between the world's socialist countries, understand the developmental dynamics of reform practices ^[1] across various socialist nations, and thereby provide beneficial references for the construction and development of each country, the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the Institute of Philosophy at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences jointly initiated the preparation of the "International Forum on Socialism" in 2013. The inaugural forum was held in Beijing that same year, and it has since been held annually on a rotating basis in China, Vietnam, and Laos. As of 2018, the "International Forum on Socialism" has been successfully held six times. In addition to scholars from the aforementioned three countries, scholars and political figures from North Korea and Cuba have also been invited to participate, with the number of attendees exceeding 100 at each session. At present, the influence of the "International Forum on Socialism" in China, Vietnam, and Laos is expanding daily, and it has become an important platform for Marxist theoretical exchange and for providing policy advice and suggestions ^[2] among socialist states. The convening of the "International Forum on Socialism" has played a promotional role in the mutual learning and theoretical exchange between socialist countries and possesses positive significance for the resurgence of the world socialist movement.

Following consultations, the conference organizers have decided to hold the 7th "International Forum on Socialism" in Dalian, China, in June 2019. The theme of this forum is "Party Building and Socialist Development in the New Era." The main topics are as follows:

1. Theoretical innovation and global contributions of Party building in socialist countries.
2. Basic experiences and lessons of Party building in socialist countries.
3. The construction and evaluation of the ranks of Party members and cadres in socialist countries.
4. The manifestation of the Party's role as the core of leadership in various socialist undertakings in the New Era.
5. Theoretical innovation and development of Marxism regarding the construction of a ruling party.
6. Anti-corruption and new progress in socialist reform (Renovation) ^[3].

In addition to inviting scholars from countries such as Vietnam, Laos, North Korea, and Cuba, we intend to invite domestic scholars through a "participation via paper submission" format. Experts and scholars interested in attending are requested to write papers centered on the conference theme. The paper format should refer to the submission requirements of the journal Marxist Studies (Makesizhuyi Yanjiu). We will invite authors of outstanding papers to participate in the conference. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, food, and lodging expenses. The deadline for paper submissions is May 10, 2019.

Seminar Date: June 24–26, 2019. Registration is on June 24; the conference duration is one and a half days. Departure on the afternoon of the 26th or on the 27th. Location: Dalian, China Contact Persons: Fang Yumei (Dalian University of Technology): 18018918269, 18018918269@163.com Zhang Fujun (Institute of Marxism Studies, CASS): zhang-fj@cass.org.cn

Institute of Marxism Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences School of Marxism, Dalian University of Technology January 12, 2019