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P15


Civil society activism in authoritarian contexts: emerging forms of leadership? 
Convenors:
Oliver Walton (University of Bath)
Joe Devine (University of Bath)
Thiyagaraja Waradas (University of Bath)
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Formats:
Papers Synchronous
Stream:
People, power and development
Sessions:
Friday 19 June, -, -
Time zone: Europe/London

Short Abstract:

This panel will explore how the form and content of civil society activism has changed in response to the rise of populist or authoritarian forms of governance. It will compare experiences in a range of cases to explore how authoritarian contexts can generate new kinds of civic leadership.

Long Abstract:

For the past decade, we have witnessed the advances of authoritarianism and populism across the world. While growing authoritarianism tends to imply a general shift in power from civic to political actors (Hossain et al 2018), the dynamics of civil society activism are transformed: with some civil society initiatives underpinning the legitimacy or mobilisation of authoritarian regimes, and others leading the challenge against authoritarian leaders. The challenge posed by authoritarian and populist regimes of governance also coincides with new opportunities presented by digital communications technology and the rise of 'citizen aid' initiatives (Fechter & Schwittay 2019). As these dynamics unfold, the question of civil society leadership comes to the fore with new leaders emerging and new forms of leadership taking shape.

The panel will address a range of questions. How has the form and content of civil society activism changed in response to the rise of populist, nationalist or authoritarian forms of governance? Do authoritarian contexts generate new kinds of civic leadership? How have civil society leaders or activists exploited 'moments of rupture' to pursue their goals? How and why have these trends varied across contexts (the panel will look to compare and contrast a range of cases)? Do existing theories and concepts for understanding civil society and civic leadership effectively capture emerging dynamics? To what extent can network theory or literature on brokers be employed to better understand the role of civil society in authoritarian contexts? How can civil society leaders shape emerging political settlements?

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Friday 19 June, 2020, -