Mobilisation and Polarisation in Central and Eastern Europe: Recent Trends and Their Implications

The world has witnessed a series of significant crises in recent years. In 2020, the globe grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, which was followed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and the conflict in Israel in 2023. These crises have left an indelible mark on Central and Eastern Europe, sparking waves of social mobilisation and a deepening polarisation of society. We invite panels that explore societal mobilisation during this period and manifestations of social polarization. We invite panels and papers that explore the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of the subsequent economic crisis, and the implications of a Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In particular, we are interested in papers exploring the relationship between mobilisation (including protests against government measures), polarisation, migration, and the surge of misinformation and misinterpretations. Furthermore, we welcome panels that delve into the structures that emerged during these mobilisations, such as movements, political parties, or movement parties, and the factors contributing to their longevity. We aim to scrutinize whether these mobilisations and structures drew from earlier ones that sprouted during previous crises, such as the 2008-9 economic crisis and the 2015 migration crisis, and to what extent their ideological underpinnings persisted. We are particularly interested in a comparative analysis of social mobilisation around the 2015 and 2022 migration crises, examining their intensity and mobilisation types. We are also interested in how the war in Ukraine transformed patterns of mobilisation, such as the mobilisation of pro-Russian uncivil groups. In conjunction with their connections to far-right or far-left ideologies, the configuration, form, and framing of these narratives are instrumental in reshaping the traditional political spectrum. Panels focusing on this transformation and the convergence or affiliation of traditional far-right and far-left actors with new forms of political extremism and radicalism hold a significant place in our inquiry. Additionally, we seek to investigate the linkage or merging of narratives associated with the traditional far-right and far-left within the disinformation landscape and its implications for the strategies employed by political actors. We also welcome panels focused on social mobilisation for (liberal) democracy. Since 2018, thousands have rallied for democracy, the rule of law, and media freedoms across the region, including Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. Civic mobilisation and contention in Central and Eastern Europe have surged to levels unseen since the fall of communism. These protests mirror society's clamour for democratic governance, transparency, and fairness. What do these trends indicate about the region's prospects for reversing the backsliding trend? Under what conditions have opposition forces and civil society successfully challenged illiberal leaders in power? How do democratic backsliding and resilience in Central and Eastern Europe compare to other European democracies? This section is also open to panels that explore mobilisation on the liberal side and its potential impact on electoral outcomes. This section aims to foster panels that address various facets of social mobilisation in Central and Eastern Europe. We invite panel organisers and paper presenters to advance the boundaries of knowledge concerning social mobilisation and polarisation, pushing past the current state of understanding to offer fresh perspectives. Panels and papers can explore the role of the European Union and other international actors. At the same time, studies with a domestic focus might delve into populism, elections, media dynamics, and informal norms. We welcome panels that investigate the sources, mechanisms, and consequences of mobilization on identity issues, including but not limited to reproductive rights and LGBTQ matters, as well as its impact on democracy, particularly in the realms of the rule of law and anti-corruption. The section will host a roundtable on social mobilisation for and against liberal democracy and seven to ten regular panels that scrutinize the interplay between social mobilisation and polarisation. The Steering Group looks forward to receiving methodologically diverse proposals, and we actively encourage submissions from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Preference will be given to panels that reflect the diversity of the ECPR research community in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, rank, location, and regional expertise.