The Democracy & Belonging Forum is opening a call for papers to identify case studies that showcase bridging and belonging approaches to countering authoritarian populism in Europe and North America. The resulting paper series will feature six cases from across both regions, to be published in Fall 2025. Please read below to learn more about what types of case studies we are seeking and information regarding submission. Selected authors will receive a €750 honorarium (excluding VAT) for their contribution to this project.
Project Description
In an effort to highlight potential solutions to this challenge, the Democracy & Belonging Forum is launching a Call for Papers for case studies that showcase effective strategies to counter authoritarian populism. We are particularly interested in efforts that employ bridging and belonging approaches, while also critically extracting lessons on failures-examining what does not work-to provide valuable insights for others seeking to build on tested strategies.The resulting paper series will feature six cases from across Europe and North America. Examples of featured interventions might include bridge-building efforts across different contexts or divides, narrative change strategies, restorative and transformative justice programs, deradicalization programs, and interventions involving art.
Goals and Outcomes
- The goals of this project are manifold:
- To highlight approaches that build power and belonging, rather than fragment or stoke mistrust
- To seed exchange between civic actors working in different contexts to counter authoritarian populism and build belonging
- To identify victories but also failures and learnings to be avoided in future efforts
- To uplift the new possibilities that open when engaging bridging and belonging approach
- To clarify interplay between justice / belonging and democracy / civic co-creation and to demonstrate the need for approaches that address both.
Submission Guidelines:
Abstract: Applicants should share an abstract of [e.g., 250–300 words] that summarizes the key arguments, methods, and contributions of your paper. You can submit your abstract
here.
Once the piece is admitted, we expect papers that range between [e.g., 2,500–5,000 words], including references, tables, and appendices. Shorter pieces (e.g., essays, commentaries) will be accepted; please specify the intended format in your submission.
- Originality: Submissions must be original, unpublished work. Papers under consideration elsewhere will not be accepted.
- Language: Submissions must be in English, in non-academic language and a register that is accessible to lay audiences
Timeline:
- Submission Deadline (proposal): March 18, 2025
- Submission Deadline (final piece, first draft): May 30, 2025
Selected authors will receive a €750 stipend (excluding VAT) for their contribution to this series. For questions regarding this paper series, please reach out to Miriam Juan-Torres through this
form.
I don't have any additional information.
-- Have a wonderful day and week. Stay safe and well.
Take care,
Twanna
Twanna Hodge, MLIS (
she, her, hers)
PhD Student | Information Studies
University of Maryland, College Park
2013 Spectrum Scholar
2022 Spectrum Doctoral Fellow