Call for Papers: Militant Democracy and the Rule of Law

IACL Type B Roundtable
Aristotelian University of Salonica (Thessaloniki), Greece, Association of Greek Constitutionalists
22-23 May 2026
Language: English-Greek, with simultaneous translation

Conference Subject-Matter

In recent years, democratic systems, both long-established and newly consolidated, have been subjected to growing pressures arising from political polarization, democratic backsliding, and declining trust in public institutions. In this context, the concept of militant democracy, understood as the right of a democratic order to defend itself against forces seeking its destruction, has regained renewed prominence.

At the same time, the contemporary revival of militant-democratic instruments raises profound constitutional concerns. Measures such as party bans, restrictions on political participation, limitations on freedom of expression, or even the cancellation or postponement of elections risk undermining the very democratic and rule-of-law principles they purport to protect, especially in highly polarized or illiberal environments.

The Conference seeks to explore the evolution, justification, and limits of militant democracy, examining whether and under what conditions democratic self-defence can remain compatible with constitutionalism, pluralism, and fundamental rights. Particular attention will be paid to the role of courts, proportionality standards, procedural safeguards, and the novel challenges posed by digital disinformation, foreign interference, and authoritarian diffusion.

Preferential Topics

Within the general framework of the Conference, papers are particularly welcome on the relationship between militant democracy and the rule of law. Topics may include (non-exhaustively):

a) Conceptual and historical understandings of militant democracy
b) Party bans and restrictions on political competition: constitutional standards and comparative practice
c) Cancellation or postponement of elections as a militant-democratic measure
d) Judicial review, proportionality, and procedural guarantees in militant-democratic regimes
e) Militant democracy in polarized, hybrid, or illiberal systems
f) Digital disinformation, extremist mobilization, and foreign interference
g) Limitations on freedom of expression and association in the name of democratic self-defence
h) Risks of instrumentalization and abuse of militant-democratic tools

Panels and Participation

The Conference will be structured around four thematic panels, corresponding to the main session themes.
Each panel will include one paper presented by a young scholar, alongside senior academics and invited discussants.

Eligibility

The Call particularly encourages submissions from junior scholars, including PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, research fellows, and early-career academics (normally within seven years of completion of the PhD). Submissions from more senior scholars are also welcome.

Submission of Abstracts

Interested scholars are invited to submit:

●        an abstract of no more than 500 words, and

●        a short CV,

by 20 April 2026, by email to:

Costas Chryssogonos
📧 goldlaw@otenet.gr

Please indicate “Call for Papers – Militant Democracy and the Rule of Law” in the subject line of your email.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome shortly thereafter.
Full draft papers (maximum 10,000 words, including footnotes) will be requested from selected participants in due course.

Publication

Papers presented at the Conference will be considered for publication in an edited volume or special issue, subject to peer review.

Registration, Travel, and Accommodation

There is no registration fee for participation.
The organizers will provide coffee and lunch during the Conference.
Travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of participants, subject to any funding arrangements that may become available for invited speakers and chairs.