Emerging Challenges for Liberal Democracy

Emerging Challenges for Liberal Democracy
April 16-17, 2026
Queen’s University, Department of Philosophy

Keynote talks by:

• Arash Abizadeh (McGill University)
• Will Kymlicka (Queen’s University)

Conference Description:
We invite submissions addressing democracy’s normative foundations, contemporary challenges, and prospects for democratic renewal. Topics may include (but are not limited to) democracy’s justification, the boundary problem, legitimacy, rights in multicultural or multinational societies, globalization, migration, populism and polarization, citizenship, deliberation and civic engagement. Submissions on related themes are welcome.

Submission Guidelines:

• Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Maximum 8,000 words (excluding notes and bibliography)
• Blind review (Word or PDF)
• Include 250-word abstract at top
• Submit via Google Forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnnmcSjpjQc53dpHez-JFAc2BxqIASiDk4IwqlSVg-d2otkg/viewform?usp=header

Successful applicants will be notified by March 1, 2026

Format:
Talks should be prepared for 45 minutes, followed by a commentary and Q&A. Accepted submissions will be paired with a Queen’s commentator; any revisions due to commentator by March 15.

Watson Hall (Room 517), Queen’s University, Kingston

Contact: [email protected]

Generously sponsored by the Queen’s University Department of Philosophy