MEDIACON 2024

In today's digitally connected world, the media plays an even more potent role in all aspects of life, from the private to the public. It serves not only as a source of (mis)information but also as an enabler for networking, social transformation, and political manifestations. As democracies everywhere nowadays sway between the forces of populism and authoritarianism, this conference aims to reflect critically on how various media platforms, actors, users, and practices negotiate with or intervene the dominant structures that have always become the hotbed of power struggle amongst differing forces and interests. 

Populism refers to a range of political stances that juxtapose the idea of “the people” against “the elite”. It is an ideology which presents “the people” as a morally good force that are in contrast with “the elite”, who are portrayed as corrupt and self-serving.  Ernesto Laclau defines populism as an emancipatory social force through which marginalized groups challenge dominant power structures. Populism can also be based along class, ethnic, or national lines and is often combined with other ideologies, such as nationalism, socialism, and liberalism. 

Over the last few years, authoritarian populism has emerged in many different parts of the world. Most if not authoritarian populist groups have come to power by claiming to represent the will of the people and dividing the general populace into antagonistic and sympathetic camps. This trend in authoritarian populism encompasses a wide range of the world’s powerful countries, many of which are democracies. Also, it has broad support in each country’s respective populace. 

Many scholars agree that this global turn to authoritarian populism is a result of the failures of globalization. When promises of increased economic growth failed to materialize, globalization has instead resulted in deindustrialization, accelerating inequality and dramatic economic restructuring, political unrest, and a rise in nationalism. These trends intensified during and after the 2008 financial crisis, making many populations worldwide dissatisfied with the world order (Gricius, 2021). 

We invite panels and individual presentations as a means to disseminate excellent and innovative works on the above-mentioned topics in the areas of media and communication studies, cultural studies, urban studies, community studies, area studies, global-local studies, etc. The goal of the conference is to become a platform for scholars, media and cultural practitioners, social activists, professionals, community organizers, researchers and policy makers to engage in discussions and rethinking interventions.