Global migration has generated new transnational political formats and fundamentally challenged the traditional state-centric focus of political science. This phenomenon of Porous Politics is defined by connections, contiguities, and loyalties across borders. It is especially critical in Central and Eastern Europe, where significant emigration has created influential diasporic communities. These diasporas actively transmit political remittances, engaging with their countries of origin. This engagement is strategically mirrored by the national political arena, as parties and elites establish extraterritorial organizations to mobilize these new constituencies. 

Argument

This conference seeks to move beyond analyzing the supply and demand sides separately to investigate the cross-fertilization and dynamic interplay that is redefining the core pillars of political science, party organization, electoral competition, and citizen engagement, in the CEE region.

We encourage papers that directly address the dynamic interplay, adaptation, and systemic consequences of porous politics in the CEE region, focusing on the following research questions:

• How do CEE political parties adapt their internal structure, statutes, and resources to manage extraterritorial party branches? 
• What is the specific political and organizational cost/benefit calculus for parties when investing in a diaspora presence? 
• How do CEE homeland parties adapt their strategies for political recruitment (for office or party roles) to target and integrate diaspora members? 
• What repertoire of transnational political activities (beyond voting) do CEE diasporas engage in, and how do these activities aim to influence homeland policy?
• How do migrants' simultaneous memberships in multiple communities shape their sense of political belonging and loyalty toward the CEE country of origin? 
• How does the messaging and communication strategy (e.g., use of digital tools, local meetings, etc.) of CEE parties abroad feedback shape the political preferences and identity construction of the diaspora community? 
• To what extent do CEE political parties and institutions integrate the policy preferences and political remittances received from the diaspora into their national manifestos and legislative agendas?

Submission guidelines

Please submit a concise Abstract of 200 words and a short biography (max 150 words) to Jean-michel.de.Waele@ulb.be and petiagueorguieva@gmail.com,

before January 31, 2026.

Notification of acceptance will be sent by February 28, 2026.

Selected papers will be considered for inclusion in a high-impact edited volume or a dedicated special journal issue.

Coordinators

• J.M. De Waele, Université Libre de Buxelles
• Petia Gueorguieva, New Bulgarian University
• Sorina Soare, University of Florence

International Scientific Committee

• Jean-Michel De Waele, Université Libre de Bruxelles
• Petia Gueorguieva, New Bulgarian University
• Evelina Staikova-Mileva, New Bulgarian University
• Marco Lisi, University NOVA, Lisbon
• Sergiu Mişcoiu,  Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca)
• Ildiko Otova, New Bulgarian University
• Sorina Soare, University of Firenze
• Maria Spirova, Leiden University
• Antony Todorov, New Bulgarian University