For several decades empires have been a central topic of international research; the attempts to grasp both the unique character of every single empire and their functional similarities are legion. Most studies are concerned and struggle with a comprehensive definition of exercising imperial power. After all, the term empire does not only refer to the formation of hierarchical power structures but also comprises the coexistence of different power practices and correspondingly the manifestations of specific regimes of rule within imperial realms. This coexistence of different imperial formations, however, was also significantly characterized by cooperation, inasmuch as for example scientific conferences, diplomatic relations or general exchange of practices concerning colonial rule represented fields of mutual willingness to learn from each other. In focusing on interimperial encounters the conference highlights ideas of empire that originated in imperial contact zones and follows them to their materializations and implementations within specific political, social and cultural frameworks.
