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 is supported by the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Migration.

The symposium will consist of keynote presentations, paper presentations, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions. The distinguished keynote speakers are:

  1. Alex Peter Schmid, Professor Emeritus; Distinguished Fellow, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism; Director, Terrorism Research Initiative, Netherlands
  2. Maria Ivanova-Gongne, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Åbo Akademi, Finland

We invite paper proposals to the following sessions:

  1. Understanding the complex dynamics of radicalization, racism, and hate speech against immigrants
  2. The impact of radicalization, racism, and hate speech on immigrant communities.
  3. Identifying common ground and shared values that can bring communities together.
  4. Legal and policy frameworks to prevent and counteract radicalization, racism, and hate speech.
  5. Grassroots initiatives and community engagement in preventing radicalization, racism, and hate speech.
  6. International cooperation.
  7. Other issues including sociological, legal, criminological, and victimological perspective.

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.

We invite you to send an abstract for participation before March 30, 2024. Read more about Call for Papers and Participation at the symposium website. 

We hope to see you in Rovaniemi in spring!