Call for papers

We welcome submissions to the 24th Annual Aleksanteri Conference, which this year addresses the pressing challenges of extremism in a world shaped by prolonged and overlapping crises. The conference will explore the rise of disinformation, polarization, and illiberal movements, alongside the erosion of trust in institutions and democratic practices. Extremism, in its various forms—ranging from the radicalization of individuals to the transformation of institutions and state ideologies—has emerged as a global phenomenon, transcending traditional East-West divides.
Schedule and deadlines
  • Call for Papers opens: Friday, 14 February 2025
  • Deadline for submitting proposals: Wednesday, 7 May 2025
  • Notification of acceptance: Tuesday, 10 June 2025
  • Registration fees due by:
    • Early bird: Monday, 30 June 2025
    • Standard: Sunday, 7 September 2025
    • Non-presenters: Monday, 13  October 2025
  • Conference programme published: Mid-September 2025
  • Conference: 22–24 October 2025
Registration Prices

Early Bird 140 € (available 10–30 June)

Standard 180 € (available 1 July – 7 September)

Students and one day registration 75 € (available 10 June – 7 September)

Non-presenting attendees (available 8 September – 13 October)

Theme of 2025

Extremisms: Ambiguities, Ideologies, Agency

The conference seeks to foster a deeper understanding of extremism’s impact on ideologies, cultures, and political systems, while addressing its implications for democracy, trust, and global solidarity. The organizers invite contributions that examine these urgent developments through diverse lenses.

The organizers welcome contributions focusing on:  

  • The changing concept of extremism 
  • Historical roots of different forms of extremism 
  • Circulation of ideas and narratives  
  • Networking extremism  
  • Extremism as a tool of (de)legitimization 
  • Triggers and social realities 
  • Debated values: Gender, ethnicity, nationalism 
  • Knowledge production in time of extremism 
  • Conspiracy theories and disinformation 
  • Mitigation scenarios and future perspectives  
Individual paper proposals

Complete the form and submit your abstract of maximum 250 words. Abstract structure: aim, methods, and conclusion. Please note that there is no remote presentation possibility for individual paper presenters. The organisers will form a limited number of thematic panels from the highest-rated individual proposals to take place in person at the conference venue.

The deadline for submitting an individual paper proposal is 7 May 2025. Paper proposals will be reviewed by the conference organising committee. Notifications of acceptance will be sent to the email address provided in this form by 10 June 2025.

Panel proposals

Submit your panel proposal, including an abstract of 250 words, by completing this form. Abstract structure: aim, background, methods, findings and conclusion/recommendations.

The following panel proposals will be accepted:

  • Chair + three paper presenters + discussant
  • Extended chair (chair and discussant functions combined in one role) + four paper presenters

Panels must aim for an international composition. Contact information is required for each panellist, but their individual abstracts are not required.

Panel sessions will take place from Wednesday to Friday at the conference. One of the speakers on a panel may participate remotely, while others will give their presentations in person at the conference. Chairs should be present at the conference venue.

The deadline for submitting a panel proposal is 7 May 2025. Panel proposals will be reviewed by the conference organising committee. Notifications of acceptance will be sent to the email addresses provided in this form by 10 June 2025.

Roundtable proposals

Submit your roundtable proposal, including an abstract of 250 words, by completing this form. Roundtables must have a moderator and three to five speakers. Contact information of each roundtable participant is required.

Roundtables will take place from Wednesday to Friday at the conference venue. One of the speakers of the roundtable may participate remotely, while the others will give their presentations in person at the conference. Moderators should be present at the conference.

The deadline for submitting a roundtable proposal is 7 May 2025. Roundtable proposals will be reviewed by the conference organising committee. Notifications of acceptance will be sent to the email addresses provided in this form by 10 June 2025.