Call for Papers: International Conference of Europeanists (CES Conference), 16-18 June 2026 in Dublin
Call for Abstracts: Migration politics and authoritarianism in Europe
Panel proposal for the International Conference of Europeanists (CES Conference), 16-18 June 2026 in Dublin
Convener: Saskia Bonjour (University of Amsterdam)
Chair and moderator: Adrian Favell (University College Cork)
Panel description
Migration politics in Europe today constitute a threat to democracy and the rule of law. Across Europe, the Far Right has become a political force to be reckoned with, dominating debates, winning elections and forming governments in more and more countries. Moreover, the boundaries between the ‘mainstream’ and the ‘Far Right’ are increasingly blurred, as rhetorics and policy preferences that were once considered Extreme Right have spread widely. Migration politics is crucial to this process, as it is at the heart both of the strategies and tactics of the Far Right, and of the responses of ‘mainstream’ political parties and institutions to the Far Right. This panel aims to explore how scholars of migration politics may contribute to understanding – and perhaps countering – the rise of authoritarianism in Europe.
We welcome papers which explore the discursive shifts, electoral strategies, and policy choices in the field of migration which have plaid a role in the rise of authoritarianism in Europe, both in the present and in the past, focusing not only on the Far Right but also and perhaps especially on ‘mainstream’ political parties. We also welcome papers which explore how courts, civil servants, media, and civil society have responded to the shift to authoritarianism in migration politics.
Practicalities
The panel will take place on site in Dublin. Virtual participation is not possible at the CES conference. As a rule, participants have to cover all registration fees and travel costs themselves, but the Conference offers a limited number of travel grants to junior faculty and PhD researchers. You can find more information here: https://lnkd.in/ewKxw7St
Submit an abstract
If you would like to be included in this panel proposal, please send a title and short abstract (max. 250 words) to Saskia Bonjour (s.a.bonjour@uva.nl), no later than 27 September 2025. Please include your name and affiliation.
You will be informed whether your abstract can be included in the panel proposal no later than Wednesday, 1 October 2026. The conference organizers will notify us whether our panel proposal has been accepted by 18 December 2025.
For more details, refer here
