Contested Solidarities: Contentious Politics Between Resistance, Backlash and Change

From June 16 to 18, 2025, the conference “Contested Solidarities: Contentious Politics Between Resistance, Backlash and Change” will take place at the Central European University, Vienna. The conference has already confirmed the participation of Professor Margit Mayer for the opening lecture and a panel session on academic journal publishing in the field of social movement research, organized by Social Movement Studies, Partecipazione e Conflitto & Mobilization. The conference is free for paper presenters but asks for a small contribution of €70 for co-authors and/or co-presenters.

The period for submitting work proposals within the two discussion axes is now open: 1) “Solidarity as a Tool of Resistance,” examining how actions of solidarity within and across social movements seek to confront norms, rules, and events deemed unjust; 2) “Delegitimization of Solidarity,” addressing counter-mobilizations, counter-protests, and/or counter-actions aimed at discrediting or suppressing solidarity efforts.

Abstract submissions must be made by February 20, with a maximum of 250 words and the indication of five keywords, through the online form at this link. The selection results of the accepted abstracts will be announced by March 20. Conference registration must be completed by April 4, 2025.

The conference “Contested Solidarities: Contentious Politics Between Resistance, Backlash and Change” is organized by ESA Research Network 25 on Social Movements; ECPR Standing Group on Participation and Mobilization; CES Research Network on Social Movements; Shattuck Center for Human Rights at Central European University; Department of Public Policy, Central European University.

Important Dates:

  • Abstract submission: by February 20, 2025 (max. 250 words + 5 keywords).
  • Selection results: by March 20, 2025.
  • Registration: by April 4, 2025.

Submission Procedure: