Political
Parties and Party Systems in Central and Eastern Europe:
Navigating Change and Confronting Challenges
24-25 April 2025, Collegium Polonicum, Słubice, Poland
Organizers:
Centre for Research and European Education
Faculty of Political Science and Journalism AMU
Research Centre for the Study of Parties and Democracy
University of Granada
Polish Political Science Association and IPSA Research Committees: RC22. Political Communication, RC26. Human Rights, RC10. Electronic Democracy
The political systems of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have been shaped by rapid transformations over the past decades, from the collapse of communist regimes to the consolidation of democratic institutions. Today, the region faces a new wave of challenges, including growing political polarization, the influence of populist movements, digital disruptions, and external geopolitical pressures. Political parties and party systems stand at the center of these developments, serving as both agents and products of change.
This conference seeks to examine how political parties and party systems in CEE navigate these evolving dynamics. By bringing together scholars, researchers, and practitioners, the event will foster an interdisciplinary dialogue on the state of democracy, representation, and governance in the region. Participants will analyze the challenges facing political parties, explore emerging trends, and consider innovative responses to ensure the resilience of democratic systems. The conference will provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the broader implications of CEE’s experiences, providing valuable insights for other regions undergoing similar transformations.
We invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit proposals addressing the theme of “Political Parties and Party Systems in Central and Eastern Europe – Navigating Change and Confronting Challenges.”
Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Party Systems and Electoral Dynamics: Fragmentation, polarization, and shifts in voter alignment.
- Populism and Anti-Establishment Movements: Impacts on traditional party systems and political stability.
- Financial Regulation of Political Parties: Comparative insights into funding practices and accountability mechanisms.
- Gender and Diversity in Politics: Representation and leadership challenges within party structures.
- Digital Transformation and Political Campaigning: The role of social media, disinformation, and AI in party politics.
- Responses to External Threats: The role of parties in addressing security concerns, such as disinformation and hybrid warfare.
- Europeanization and Party Systems: EU influences on national political dynamics.
- Comparative Perspectives: Lessons from other regions that inform CEE party politics.
The event aims to:
- deepen understanding of the factors shaping political parties and party systems in CEE;
- promote interdisciplinary research by integrating perspectives from political science, sociology, communication studies, and law;
- offer policy insights to strengthen democratic governance and political accountability in
- the region;
- facilitate knowledge exchange among academics and practitioners to address common challenges.
The working languages of the conference are English.
The organizers will provide conference participants with accommodation, board, as well as the opportunity for publication of accepted and reviewed papers.
Paper selection deadlines are as follows:
- March 15, 2025 – application forms to be sent with the abstract of the paper via a form at: https://forms.gle/JLo7YY2M3yLbi5i18
- March 20, 2025 information on the approval of your paper,
- March 30, 2025 – payment of conference fee,
- July 15, 2025 – sending the final version of your paper.
THE CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION FEE:
– PLN 750 (175 Euro) (including
accommodation (2 nights) and full board) /
The corresponding
amount should be paid by bank transfer to a bank account 52 1610 1133 2003 0051 4927 0005 (please put: “Evolution + Participant’s Name” asthe title of the transfer).
Information about the conference and registration form are available at the Organizer’s website: Center for European Research and Education:
Organizing and Scientific Committee:
- Prof. Magdalena Musiał-Karg, AMU, PPSA
- Assoc. Prof. Fernando Casal Bértoa, University of Nottingham, REPRESENT
- Prof. Óscar Luengo, University of Granada
- Prof. Domagoj Bebić, University of Zagreb, IPSA RC10
- Assoc. Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak, AMU, IPSA RC26
- Assoc. Prof. Norbert Merkovity, University of Szeged, IPSA RC22
- Assoc. Prof. Natasza Lubik-Reczek, AMU
- MA Paloma Egea, University of Granada (conference secretary)
- MA Emil Plewa (conference secretary): e-mail: syspolit@gmail.com.
