Call for Papers and Participation
International Symposium on
Combating Radicalization, Racism, and Hate Speech
Against Immigrants
Arktikum, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
22–23 May 2024
Symposium Schedule.pdf
In recent years, the world has witnessed a concerning rise in radicalization, racism, and hate speech directed against immigrants. This trend threatens the social fabric of diverse societies and undermines the principles of equality, tolerance, and inclusivity. To address this urgent issue, the ‘Global Northern Communities and Societies’ research community of the Faculty of Social Science, University of Lapland, and the Ministry of Justice of Finland funded Creating Anti-Radicalization Awareness Network in Lapland [Radikaalisaatiotietoisuusverkoston luominen Lapissa] project of the Arctic Immigrants Association will organize an international symposium that brings together students, researchers, academicians, experts, advocates, and policymakers to explore the root causes, consequences, and practical strategies to combat radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants.
The symposium will consist of keynote presentations, paper presentations, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions. The distinguished keynote speakers are:
- Alex Peter Schmid, Professor Emeritus; Distinguished Fellow, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism; Director, Terrorism Research Initiative, Netherlands
- Maria Ivanova-Gongne, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Åbo Akademi, Finland
We invite paper proposals to the following sessions:
- Understanding the complex dynamics of radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants. Papers can provide insights, for example, into the factors that fuel these phenomena, including the role of social media, political discourse, and economic disparities.
- The impact of radicalization, racism, and hate speech on immigrant communities. Papers can focus on issues such as mental health, social integration, and economic opportunities. Personal stories and experiences also can be shared.
- Identifying common ground and shared values that can bring communities together. Papers may discuss, for example, initiatives and approaches that foster unity and encourage dialogue between immigrants and the host population.
- Legal and policy frameworks to prevent and counteract radicalization, racism, and hate speech. Presenters are asked to provide insights into effective legislation and regulatory measures to combat these issues.
- Grassroots initiatives and community engagement in preventing radicalization, racism, and hate speech. Papers can introduce and reflect on successful projects, campaigns, and community-based efforts that have made a positive impact.
- International cooperation. As radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants transcend national borders, international cooperation is crucial. Papers may provide examples on how different countries can collaborate to share best practices and coordinate efforts in combating these issues.
- Other issues and perspectives. Papers can elaborate on diverse cross-cutting issues, for instance, sociological, legal, criminological, and victimological perspectives which could help to clarify the ways in which radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants can be combatted.
Abstract submission
Please submit your abstract (max 250 words, including a title) and a short author bio (max 100 words) via e-mail to the organizing team [ snuri@ulapland.fi ] by March 30, 2024. You will be notified of paper acceptance by 10 April, 2024.
Participation without papers
Policymakers, practitioners and researchers can also attend the symposium without a paper presentation. This form of participation is intended for policymakers and practitioners in particular.
Registration
After confirmation of acceptance of their abstracts, paper presenters are invited to register. Furthermore, those who want to participate as an attendee also need to register. The registration will close on May 13, 2024.
Please register yourself >
Target Audience
This symposium is designed for a diverse audience, including students, researchers, academicians, policymakers, government representatives, NGOs, community leaders, educators, activists, and anyone concerned about the issues of radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness of the root causes and consequences of radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants;
- Greater understanding of the impact on immigrant communities and the broader society;
- Knowledge of effective legal and policy measures to combat these issues;
- Inspiration for grassroots initiatives and community engagement;
- Promotion of international collaboration in addressing the challenges
Through a comprehensive exploration of radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants, this symposium aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to combat these issues and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
Organizing committee
1. Nafisa Yeasmin, Visiting Researcher, University of Lapland; Lead, Thematic Network on Arctic Migration, UArctic
2. Tiina Seppälä, Lecturer, Helsinki University
3. Syed Musa Kajim Nuri, Doctoral Researcher, University of Lapland