The Federal Agency for Civic Education, Bonn, the Hamburg Institute for Social Research, and Rutgers University, New Jersey organise a conference on the theme of “Fascism and Antifascism in Our Time: Critical Investigations”. The conference will take place at the Hamburg Institute for Social Research in Hamburg and in Lüneburg, Germany, from 1 to 3 November 2017.

The conference investigates the contemporary relevance of fascism and antifascism by bringing together scholarly experts on these historical movements and actors in civil society. The overarching aim of the conference is to explore whether and how the histories of fascism and antifascism offer insights into the rise of authoritarian regimes today. What makes a fascist regime? What is the line separating authoritarianism from fascism? Can we identify “tipping points”? How should a civil society react to these challenges? Do antifascist movements of the 20th century offer a role model? How can insights into such historical connections benefit proponents of a democratic civil society?

The conference addresses scholars, practitioners of civic education, artists, and activists involved in projects dealing with fascism, antifascism, authoritarianism, and the advancement of democracy. The organisers especially welcome projects on politics and practices of remembrance. They would like to receive applications from all countries, especially from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

To register, interested persons can send their CV and a motivational letter to antifascism@his-online.de. The deadline for submissions is 15 July 2017. Before applying, please find all the information here.