Narratives at the Crossroads: Migration, Polarisation and Political Inclusion in Uncertain Times

Across Europe, debates on migration have become increasingly charged, shaped by overlapping crises, heightened uncertainty, and rapidly shifting political landscapes. Narratives about migrants and migration no longer act merely as reflections of social concerns but have become active instruments in political competition, identity construction, and struggles over democratic inclusion. This event explores how migration narratives emerge, evolve, and become politicised and how they influence political behaviour, public attitudes, and the possibilities for belonging in diverse societies.

The workshop brings together scholars interested in understanding the dynamics of narrative formation and reception. How do political actors craft migration narratives to mobilise different segments of the population? How and why do some groups (including minorities and individuals with migration backgrounds) respond to these narratives differently? How do feelings of uncertainty, perceived threats, or experiences of exclusion shape openness to polarising messages? And what happens to democratic participation when migration becomes a central axis of conflict?

At the same time, the workshop seeks to highlight the heterogeneity within different actor groups, including migrant and minority populations, and the complex ways in which individuals navigate political communication in a polarised environment. We aim to discuss underexplored questions about political trust, pathways to inclusion, and the conditions that facilitate constructive engagement rather than alienation or radicalisation.

By combining theoretical, methodological, and comparative perspectives, the workshop aims to generate a deeper understanding of how migration narratives can both fracture and connect societies. A key objective is to identify strategies for fostering more inclusive public debate and strengthening democratic resilience in an era of uncertainty.

This is an in-person event. The working language is English.

For any questions, please write to maarja.vollmer@unine.ch.

Schedule can be found here