We extend an invitation for paper submissions to a one-day academic workshop organized as part of the Jean Monnet Project EUTHPART conducted at Yeditepe University, dedicated to exploring EU Values, Democracy, Participation, and Populism. This workshop endeavors to delve into the challenges and gaps within democratic participation, with a focus on the European Union's distinctive multilevel governance structure, while also addressing the significant dimension of populism.

Context and Objectives: The workshop emerges from a foundational understanding of citizen participation as a cornerstone in established democracies. While prevailing literature underscores the positive correlation between democracy and citizen engagement, the project recognizes that not all democracies universally embed inclusive participatory rights. The EU's unique governance model, blending participatory and representative democracy, provides an intriguing case study. By promoting different theoretical and empirical approaches, the workshop aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for democracy in contemporary times within the European Union and beyond.
 

Key Themes:

1. Citizen Participation in Democracies: Exploring the diverse landscape of citizen involvement within European democracies and its neighbourhood, emphasizing the influence on democratic health and its alignment with European values.

2. Youth Participation in Democracies: Analyzing the pivotal role of youth in shaping democratic processes within the European context, encompassing voting patterns, social activism, and political engagement in alignment with European values.

3. Multilevel Governance in the EU: Analyzing the intricacies of the EU's governance structure and its implications for participatory and representative democracy.

4.  Populism in the EU: Investigating the rise of populism and its effects on democratic participation, norms, institutions, and processes.

5. Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities: Examining the role of the EU in addressing challenges like democratic decline, far-right movements, youth disengagement, and populism.

6. Broader geopolitical implications of the interplay between populism, democracy, and the EU: Submissions exploring the international dimensions of populist movements, their impact on diplomatic relations, and potential shifts in global governance dynamics are particularly encouraged

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Submission Guidelines: We seek submissions that align with the workshop's overarching themes and objectives. Potential topics include empirical research, theoretical frameworks, case studies, and policy analyses. 

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• Abstracts should not exceed 500 words.

• Submissions must be made via the EUTHPART JM Module website's submission portal 

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Registration: All interested participants, including authors and non-presenting attendees, are required to register for the conference through the EUTHPART JM Module website

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Important Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: 22 April 2024
Notification of Acceptance: 29 April 2024
Conference Registration Deadline: 9 May 2024

Selected Papers: Accepted papers will not only contribute significantly to ongoing academic conversations but will also shed light on the complex interconnections between populism, democratic participation, and the role of the EU. Selected papers have the opportunity to be featured in a special issue of a high-quality journal.

We look forward to a rich exchange of ideas at the workshop, forging connections that advance our collective understanding of democratic participation within the European Union and its global ramifications.