The theme of the conference is how different actors have responded to populist parties in and out of government, and whether these responses have been effective and normatively justifiable. We invite empirical political scientists and political theorists or those who combine the two fields to exchange views on the conference theme.

We expect papers addressing (but not limited to) any of the following questions:

• What are the different types of responses to populist parties? 
• Do these responses violate the rights of populist parties, including their candidates, members and voters?
• Can responses stay within the remits of constitutionally guaranteed rights and powers, and how? 
• Are there any significant patterns in how different actors respond to populist parties? 
• Who are the responding actors, e.g. public authorities, political parties, civil society group, and how do they differ in why and how they respond to populist parties? 
• What is the role of supranational and/or transnational actors, including EU actors? 
• Have responses been effective and why? 
• Are responses normatively legitimate or justifiable? On which grounds?
• Are populist parties (perceived to be) a threat to democracy? 
• When, if ever, could it be justified for actors to employ non-democratic means to defend democracy? 

Alongside scholars responding to this call, the conference will feature panels that present the results of the research project ‘Populism and Democratic Defence’. We are interested in exchanging views and knowledge with other scholars working with the same or related topics and strongly encourage both junior and senior scholars to submit abstracts to the conference.