Amsterdam Psycho-Politics Workshop

Call for Abstracts

Amsterdam Psycho-Politics Workshop 

University of Amsterdam

18-19 June, 2026

In this two-day workshop, we want to bring together scholars whose work seeks to theorise the intersection of the psychic and the political. We are especially interested in interdisciplinary approaches that combine critical social and political theory with work in radical psychiatry, Mad studies, and psychoanalysis.  

Confirmed keynote speakers are Hannah Proctor and Alenka Zupančič. 

Topics include but are not limited to: 

·       The psychic life of anti-gender, anti-trans and anti-critical race theory mobilisations 

·       Social and political approaches to mental health  

·       The psycho-politics of pain and suffering

·       The socialisation of mental health care 

·       The role of psychoanalysis, psychology and psychiatry in emancipatory (feminist, queer, decolonial) movements 

·       Psychoanalytic approaches to authoritarian subjectivity, and the crisis of liberal democracy 

·       Sexuality and the sexual politics of desire 

·       Capitalism and the political economy of desire 

·       Nihilism, fascism and the death drive 

We have limited funds available to cover travel and accommodation for academics who do not have research budgets and/or are in precarious employment. Please indicate in your application if you wish to be considered for funding, along with a brief explanation of your eligibility. The workshop is scheduled to take place on the 18th & 19th June 2026. 

To apply, please send a 500-word abstract and short bio to [email protected] and [email protected]. The deadline for abstracts is 1st November, 2025. If you are selected, draft papers (3,000-4,000 words) have to be submitted by 30th April 2026.