Contemporary democracies are currently under stress. The legitimacy of political actors and institutions is challenged by growing popular feelings of distrust and dissatisfaction, which are – in the end – questioning the very principle of political representation. Political parties are blamed for their inability to meet citizens’ demands, failing to be recognized as legitimate mediators in the relationship between citizens and politics. On the contrary, anti-establishment parties entered the political arena and populist leaders have gained large momentum. In addition, democracies are experiencing frequent institutional crises, whereas uncertain processes of government formation, political instability, and repeated elections have become commonplace in many countries. Indeed, electoral and constitutional rules are increasingly questioned, while attempted reforms end up in ineffective results. Public opinion appears disenchanted and disaffected with politics, blamed for the inability to provide effective responses to a long and dramatic economic crisis.
Against this background, the 12th SISE International Conference aims to address issues related to the challenges to contemporary democracies from different perspectives, such as public opinion and opinion polls, patterns of voting behaviour, electoral rules and their consequences, party organizations and dynamics of renewal, government cohesion and approval against electoral cycle and the economic crisis, the role of supranational government and multilevel governance, social movements and political participation, media and social media in the age of disintermediation.
Comparative as well as single-case studies are welcome, emphasizing that all proposals must be anchored to solid methodological and theoretical perspectives.
Scholars and researchers interested in parties, elections, leadership, political communication and political institutions are invited to submit their proposals. Please note that the suggested topics are indicative. Alternative or original thematic proposals are equally welcome.
Timeline:
October 14, 2019: Call for Papers deadline
More info here
