CfP Fascism Early Career Research Forum
Call for Applications: Fascism Early Career Research Forum (AY 2026/27)
Since the 1990s, fascism studies have undergone several crucial shifts, attracting young researchers and becoming a crucible for innovation. Scholars have introduced new theoretical and methodological approaches, expanding their scope to previously neglected regions and offering inspiring perspectives. The study of ideology and practices, as well as the relationship between fascist and other right-wing movements and regimes, emerged as some of the privileged entry points for the research on fascism on a comparative, transnational, and global scale.
Despite its remarkable expansion, the field remains diffused. Researchers – and particularly those at the start of their careers – often work in relative isolation. The Fascism Early Career Research Forum seeks to bridge these gaps by providing a space for early career researchers working on (comparative) fascism to discuss and give/receive feedback on their work, reflect on theoretical approaches, and refine comparative perspectives in a supportive environment. The forum wants to provide a safe « arena » for the exchange of ideas on ongoing projects, and aims to build a lasting community of scholars working on similar thematic clusters.
The forum will run throughout the academic year 2026/27, from October 2026 to June 2027. The selected participants will meet in a closed setting once per month via Zoom. Each session will offer one to two researchers the opportunity to present their work in progress (15-20 minutes) or discuss a previously circulated draft (10-20 pages). A final in-presence workshop at the University of Konstanz is currently being planned for June 2027. The forum is designed for advanced MA students, PhD candidates, and early post-Docs. To foster a genuine workshop atmosphere, we ask that participants attend the monthly sessions regularly, commit to present their own work, and actively engage with the work of their peers by reading drafts and providing constructive feedback. The working language is English.
The forum invites applications by researchers who are currently working on historical fascism and its immediate aftermath, with a focus on fascist ideologies, movements, and regimes that emerged during the first half of the 20th century. Comparative, transnational and global perspectives are preferred, but national case studies that contribute to broader theoretical debates are also welcome.
Applications should include:
– Abstract of your research project or specific paper you wish to discuss or present. (max. 300 words). Please include information on the months you would be available to present and your time zone to help us accommodate as many participants as possible.
– Short CV highlighting your current affiliation and research interests (1-2 pages).
Please send your applications to fascism.research.forum@uni-konstanz.de<mailto:fascism.research.forum@uni-konstanz.de> by July 31, 2026.
Notifications of acceptance will be sent by August 15, 2026.
Organizers
Gilda Yael Bassani, University of Turin, Italy
Elisabeth Luif, Central European University, Vienna/Austria
Daniele Toro, University of Passau, Germany
Supported by
Universität Konstanz – Professur für Zeitgeschichte
ComFas – International Association for Comparative Fascist Studies