Join the Annual GRIP Symposium on The Politics of Inequality and The Rise of the Illiberal Right: A Global Perspective. The Symposium follows the Annual GRIP Lecture on the same theme, delivered by Walden Bello on Wednesday, 24 April 2024.
The themes scholars will write papers on and present include the following:
Causes and Consequences of the Global Rise of the Illiberal Right
This theme will explore the factors that have contributed to the global rise of the illiberal Right, as well as its implications for democracy, human rights, and global stability. Scholars will examine the complex forces that have given rise to this phenomenon, including economic inequality, political polarisation, and the erosion of trust in traditional institutions. They will also consider the broader implications of the illiberal Right’s ascendance for the future of global order.
The Role of Inequality and Class Actors
This theme will examine the essential roles of inequality and class actors in the genesis and ascendance of the illiberal Right. Scholars will explore how economic inequality has created fertile ground for right-wing populism and how class actors have been mobilised to support illiberal movements. They will also consider how the illiberal Right has exploited social divisions to its advantage.
Traditional Categorisations and Their Limits
This theme will critically scrutinise the applicability and constraints of conventional classifications, such as the Global North and Global South, in understanding the rise of the illiberal Right. Scholars will explore how these categorisations may obscure or misrepresent the complex dynamics at play. They will also consider the need for new and more nuanced frameworks for analysis.
Comparative Analyses of Right-Wing Mobilisations
This theme will engage in comparative analyses of right-wing mobilisations across diverse regions, including Eastern Europe and the Western world. Scholars will dissect the dynamics of these movements, identifying patterns, distinctions, and the contextual nuances that underpin them. This cross-regional exploration will offer valuable insights into the global nature of the illiberal Right, as well as the factors that drive its rise and success in different contexts.
The Illiberal Right and Global Capitalism
This theme will investigate the interplay between the rise of the illiberal Right and the global capitalist system. Scholars will examine how global economic trends have created conditions that have enabled the illiberal Right to flourish. They will also consider how the illiberal Right is reshaping the global capitalist order.
Scholars are invited to contribute academic papers aligned with these themes, fostering an environment of intellectual exchange. Each scholar will not only present their research findings but also actively engage in the feedback process, offering their insights to fellow paper presenters. This collaborative approach ensures a vibrant and enriching academic dialogue. Some of the participating scholars include the following:
- Walden Bello – SUNY Binghamton, Focus on the Global South
- Sonja Wolf – CONAHCYT, Mexico
- Lise Lund Bjånesøy – University of Bergen
- Marc Edelman – CUNY Graduate Center
- Svati Shah – University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Gabor Scheiring – Georgetown University Qatar
- Rosana Pinheiro-Machado – University College Dublin
- Volodymyr Ishchenko – Free University Berlin
- Ayşe Buğra – Boğaziçi University
Photo by Lachlan Gowen on Unsplash