The 2026 IPSA Research Committees Colloquium explores the rising pressures on minority identities, rights, and cultures worldwide. Among the participants, Luisa Chiodi, director of OBC Transeuropa
The event is organized by IPSA RC14 Politics and Ethnicity in collaboration with RC13 Democratization in Comparative Perspective, RC23 Elections, Citizens and Parties, RC28 Comparative Federalism and Multilevel Governance, RC43 Religion and Politics, and RC44 Security, Conflict and Democratization.
The colloquium will address the complex and evolving challenges faced by minority communities in contemporary states. The concept of being “under siege” serves as a lens to examine systemic threats, vulnerabilities, and pressures in an increasingly volatile global context.
24th June – 17.15-19.15 On PLENARY – Roundtable: “Challenges and Future of Minority Rights”
Since the turn of the century, the once favorable environment for minority protection has progressively eroded, as global socio-economic transformations, environmental and health crises, and the rise of populist and re-nationalizing agendas have reshaped political priorities around sovereignty and majoritarian interests. Intensifying armed conflicts, alongside heightened concerns over borders and security, have further exacerbated distrust toward minorities and complicated their protection. This roundtable critically examines the resulting weakening of the minority rights paradigm. Bringing together interdisciplinary scholars, it reflects on conceptual, empirical, and normative challenges facing minority protection today. It interrogates the meaning of “minority” in superdiverse and mobile societies, and explores alternative foundations for inclusive political communities. Empirically, it assesses the limits of existing standards amid geopolitical conflict, inequality, climate change, and security-driven governance, questioning their emancipatory potential. Looking forward, the discussion aims to advance innovative research and reimagine minority rights in an increasingly volatile global context.
Moderator: Günther Rautz, Eurac Research
Participants:
Francesco Palermo, Eurac Research,
Elisabeth Craig, University of Sussex,
Jussi Laine, University of Eastern Finland,
Luisa Chiodi, Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa
The final program of the 2026 IPSA Research Committees Colloquium. is coming soon.
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