International scientific conference: Evolution of the political system 2025: Political Parties and Party Systems in Central and Eastern Europe. Charting the course of change and responding to challenges

The political systems of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have been shaped by the rapid transformations of recent decades - from the collapse of communist regimes to the consolidation process of democratic institutions. Today, the region is facing a new wave of challenges, such as increasing political polarisation, the growing influence of populist movements, digital transformation disruptions and external geopolitical pressures. Political parties and party systems are at the centre of these processes, acting as both catalysts and actors.

This conference aims to answer the question of how political parties and party systems in Central and Eastern Europe are adapting to dynamically changing conditions. Bringing together academics, researchers and practitioners, the event aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on the state of democracy, representation and governance in the region. It is the intention of the organisers to look at the challenges faced by political parties, to analyse emerging trends and to propose innovative solutions to strengthen the resilience of democratic systems.

The conference will provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the wider implications of the Central and Eastern European experience, providing valuable insights for other regions undergoing similar transitions.

We invite researchers and practitioners to submit proposals for presentations on the theme "Political Parties and Party Systems in Central and Eastern Europe. Charting the course of change and responding to challenges".

Presentations are welcome.

Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• party systems and electoral dynamics: fragmentation, polarisation and changes in voter attitudes;
• populism and anti-establishment movements: effects on traditional party systems and political stability;
• political party funding arrangements: a comparative look at funding practices and accountability mechanisms;
• political parties: a comparative look at funding practices and accountability mechanisms;
• gender and diversity in politics: challenges of representation and leadership in party structures;
• digital transformation and political campaigns: the role of social media, disinformation and artificial intelligence in party politics;
• response to external threats: the role of parties in addressing security issues such as disinformation and hybrid warfare;
• europeanisation and party systems: the impact of the EU on national political dynamics;
• the role of parties in addressing security threats;
• comparative perspectives: lessons from other regions that inform party politics in Central and Eastern Europe.

The event aims to:

• deepen the understanding of the factors shaping political parties and party systems in Central and Eastern Europe;
• promote interdisciplinary research by integrating perspectives from political science, sociology, communication studies and law;
• offering policy insights to strengthen democratic governance and political accountability in the region;
• facilitate knowledge exchange between academics and practitioners to address common challenges.

The working languages of the conference will be English and Polish.
The organisers will provide conference participants with accommodation, meals and publication of accepted and positively reviewed papers.

The paper selection process will be as follows:

By 15 March 2025. - Submission of the submission forms together with the abstract of the paper via the form at the link: https://forms.gle/1okhB6PdGTAP7QBr5
by 20 March 2025. - sending information about acceptance of the paper,
by 30 March 2025. - payment of the conference fee,
by 31 July 2025. - submission of the final version of the papers.

Cost of CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION IS:

For PTNP members - 700 PLN (including 2 nights' accommodation, food on the first day of the conference, breakfast and lunch on the second day of the conference).
For non-members of PTNP - 750 PLN (including 2 nights' accommodation, food on the first day of the conference, breakfast and lunch on the second day of the conference).
The corresponding amount should be paid by bank transfer to the bank account of the Centre for European Research and Education by 30 March 2025. Account No. 52 1610 1133 2003 0051 4927 0005 (please write "Evolution + Participant's Name" in the title of the transfer).

Conference organising committee:

Prof. Magdalena Musiał-Karg
Prof. Andrzej Stelmach
Prof. Jędrzej Skrzypczak
Prof. Krzysztof Urbaniak
dr hab. Natasha Lubik-Reczek, Phd
Emil Plewa, MA (secretary of the conference).

E-mail correspondence address: syspolit@amu.edu.pl.

The conference "Evolution of the Political System" was supported by funds from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education under the programme: "Excellent science II- Support for scientific conferences" (contract number KONF/SN/0360/2023/01)