CALL FOR PAPERS – please circulate widely
Anarchism and Religion // Anarchist Studies Network 5th International
Conference // Loughborough University - 12-14 September 2018
The intersection of anarchism and religion has proved a fertile field
of intellectual inquiry. Some publications have focused on traditional
anarchist quarrels with religion and its institutions; others have
elaborated and discussed anarchist exegesis of religious scripture;
others yet have articulated theological reflections with an anarchist
angle; and others still have studied the histories of specific
religious anarchist thinkers, communities and movements. However, the
literature has tended to display familiar biases: authors are often
white and Western, the main religion is often Christianity, and few
have turned their attention to decolonisation.
In line with the central theme of the broader conference, papers for a
potential stream of panels on anarchism and religion which consider
issues around decolonisation are particularly encouraged (the broader
conference call for papers is copied below). Proposals developing
non-Christian perspectives are also encouraged. Nonetheless,
contributions on any topics relevant to the study of anarchism and
religion are welcome, with or without connection to decolonisation.
Any disciplinary angle is welcome.
Please send abstracts of up to 250 words with your name and (if
relevant) any institutional affiliation to stream convenor Alex
Christoyannopoulos at a.christoyannopoulos@lboro.ac.uk by 15 February
2018.
Anarchist Studies Network // 5th International Conference // 12-14
September 2018 // Loughborough University, U.K.
Call for Papers and Panels
The fight against domination and destruction continues under heavy
clouds. A global wave of resistance has once again been met with
reaction, as elites turn to barefaced nationalism, racism and
misogyny. For the world's majority, such oppression is neither
surprising nor new, given the enduring legacy of colonialism and
by-now-established forms of neo-colonial exploitation. Meanwhile,
hegemonic discourses show a frustrating capacity to co-opt and
neutralise: converting anti-capitalism into welfare-populism,
ecological resistance into green consumption, and militant
intersectionality into liberal identity politics. Anarchist literature
and organising are not automatically immune to these problems; posing
ideas and practices that are radically free from domination requires
critical reflection on assumptions and truths, including one’s own.
Despite challenges, anarchists have sustained and grown multiple sites
of resistance as well as constructive projects, while boldly
spearheading the confrontation with the far right. Confident that the
tide will turn again, the flame remains kindled.
In these uncertain times, the elaboration of anarchist analysis
bridging theory and practice, scholarly rigour and the insights of
social movements, is as necessary as ever.
The 5th International Conference of the Anarchist Studies Network will
be held at Loughborough University between 12-14 of September 2018.
Proposals are welcome for individual papers, as well as for panels
drawing together 3-4 papers around a common theme.
Please send abstracts of up to 250 words per paper to the address:
Deadline for abstracts: 28 February 2018
ASN conferences aim to breach new frontiers in anarchist scholarship,
and encourage cross-pollination between disciplines. Contributions are
invited from within and outside the official academic sphere, from any
scholarly discipline(s), and on any topic relevant to the study and
practice of anarchism as a vital approach to social transformation.
The central theme for this conference is DECOLONISATION, which we hope
will inspire many of the presentations and panels. The purpose is
twofold: to stimulate discussion of colonialism and racism as forms of
oppression that anarchists oppose, but which continue to be felt in
anarchist organising; and to welcome individuals, groups and
communities who have not previously participated in ASN events. By
recognising the legacy of non-western and anti-colonial thought and
action in the anarchist tradition, we want to strengthen the ties
between contemporary anarchists and decolonial theory and practice in
the struggle against oppression, and to use the recognition of racist
and Eurocentric practices and mind-frames to open up the event to
marginalised groups.
We therefore particularly encourage submissions from the global south
and from people of colour, as well as from women, trans and non-binary
people, and people with disabilities. We strongly encourage panel
organizers to overcome exclusion. For the central theme, we welcome
presentations that are concerned with topics such as the following:
- Anarchist engagements with decolonial and race theory
- Anarchist geographies of decolonisation
- Anarchist movements in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, etc.
- Anarchist resonances of non-western philosophies, religions and traditions
- Anti-nationalism and anti-fascism
- Decolonial critiques of anarchism
- Decolonial critiques of the state
- Histories of anarchist resistance to colonialism
- Intersections between race/colonisation and age, class, dis/ability,
gender, sexuality, etc.
- Non-western anarcha-feminism, green anarchism, individualism, etc.
- Non-western and western modes of (anti-)representation and the
movement between them
In addition, proposals are welcome on ANY TOPIC related to the study
and practice of anarchism.
As well as submissions that bridge the gap between “academic” and
other forms of knowledge, we also welcome proposals for workshops, art
events/performances and experimental pieces, and are happy to discuss
any ideas that you might have.
We welcome proposals for papers and panels in other languages, but
please send an abstract in English as well. Translation will be
self-organised during the conference on an ad-hoc, volunteer basis.
Loughborough University facilities are fully wheelchair accessible and
induction loops are available. We are hoping to have some travel
bursaries available for low- or unwaged participants, especially from
the global south, as well as co-organised childcare arrangements.
Although we cannot guarantee either of these at the present stage,
please do get in touch with any specific access needs and we will do
our best to meet them: asn.conference.5@mail.com
