Democracy and Extremism

Dates: June 12-13, 2008
Call for Papers Deadline: March 31, 2008
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

This multidisciplinary set of panels seeks answers to the enduring puzzle of how democracies cope with the paradox of being asked to tolerate the intolerant in their midst.  This paradox drives theoretical, empirical, and policy-relevant research on modern democracy, including studies of legal restraints on extremism, the sociological underpinnings of extremist groups, democracy promotion through civic education, media campaigns against intolerance, electoral mechanisms for containing party-based intolerance, and the special challenges of promoting democratic tolerance in urban settings.  Conference organizers welcome proposals from research scholars and advanced graduate students on issues related to these topics.  Publication in a special journal issue will be sought for select papers presented at the conference.

Contact: Dr. William M. Downs, polwmd@langate.gsu.edu