The Culture of Exclusion? 6th Edition: The Politics of Exclusion

Our lives, choices and thoughts are constantly shaped by politics – even if we are oblivious of this influence or deny its importance. The politics to a great extent determines the scope of possibilities of our actions. It can either give a sense of stability or may pose a threat to our lives.  An instant overview on contemporary politics shows how various political ideas (e.g. nativism, separatism, paleoconservatism, alt-right movement) and activities are intrinsically linked with mechanisms of exclusion. By proclaiming new bills politics may enforce certain groups and, in turn, weaken others. The sharp distinction between “allies” and “enemies” leads to normalization and pathologization of certain forms of life. Occasionally, politics encourages us to reconsider the broad idea of “the other” by establishing and protecting the rights of women, ethnic and religious minorities, or LGBTQ+ people. However, it may also dissolve or neglect the rights of these groups or oppress any other form of dissent or nonconforming behavior.

In the sixth edition of the “Culture of Exclusion?” Conference, we focus on examining the broad cultural phenomenon of exclusion in various contemporary and historical-political contexts. We invite presentations concerned with, but not limited to, the following issues:

1. The role of politics in everyday life.
2. Discourses of hate and violence in high- and low politics.
3. Ethics and politics – does politics need ethics and is ethical politics possible?
4. Political strategies towards otherness, difference and nonconformity.
5. Politics and LGBTQ+ rights.
6. Women in politics – rights, opportunities and agency.
7. Exclusion of women in political discourses.
8. Can anyone engage in politics, is politics egalitarian?
9. Contemporary revival of nationalism and extreme right.
10. Democracy and its various meanings.
11. How international tensions and military conflicts shape modern politics.
12. Is international politics possible?