Deliberation has gained momentum around the world over the last two decades. Beyond the diversification and use of its forms, deliberation matters in contemporary times especially in the context of a growing alienation of people from the state institutions and increasing disaffection with representative democracy and politicians. The possibility to provide ordinary citizens access to the decision-making process through deliberation, the public demand for deliberation (including questions related to who participates), or the ways in which deliberation functions have been well documented in the literature. However, the interaction between deliberation, politics and culture is under-studied. 

 

Among others, several issues remain unclear: 

• how do different cultural settings and traditions shape deliberative practices

• what are the contextual drivers and barriers for deliberation

• what is the role of culture in the relationship between deliberation and quality of democracy

• how can deliberation produce different impacts in society or politics

• how can politics and culture encourage / inhibit ordinary citizens to engage in deliberation

• how are minorities integrated in or excluded from deliberation

• what are the appropriate settings to ensure an inclusive engagement of citizens

• how can political institutions enhance the effectiveness of deliberation. 

 

This conference aims to bring together works addressing, but not limited to, any of these points. The event will be interdisciplinary and will gather a group of 15-17 researchers working on these topics to facilitate the knowledge sharing and a better understanding of current events. The organizers strive for a balance between established academics and early career scholars (including PhD candidates). We encourage theoretical, empirical or methodological papers related to the topic of the conference. 

 

Depending on the quality, and scope of works, the organizers have in mind a special issue in an international peer-reviewed journal or an edited volume with a high-profile publisher.