FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries regarding the Populism Specialist Group, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
How do I benefit from joining the group, and how do I join?
The Populism Specialist Group is one of the largest, if not the largest and most active international networks of scholars working on populism (and related topics). It promotes critical scholarship and is open to a variety of methods and approaches, although we are generally situated within the Essex School approach inspired by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe. Our network is not only professional. Many people have been attending our events for years. So there is a sense of community. We also want to promote a sustainable and inclusive academy where people feel welcome.
By joining you can:
Meet expand your professional network;
Forge research collaborations;
Develop your theoretical and methodological skills;
Develop your presentation and public speaking skills by participating in our events.
Join us, for free, by clicking here.
Can I write a short piece for this website?
Yes. You can comment on current affairs (e.g. elections, protests), comment on scholarly developments in the field of populism (e.g. a review of an argument developed in a new article or an established assumption), or promote your latest publication, communicating its main arguments and results. Before writing the piece please get in touch with us to discuss your idea.
Below you can find our publication requirements:
Your piece should not exceed the 1000 words;
It should be written in an accessible language. Do not use academic jargon (see LSEblog, The Loop);
Be kind and polite. Your critique can be sharp, but you don't have to be rude;
Besides the title your piece can have another 3 - 4 sections. It will help the reader navigate through the text and argument;
Please include your name and affiliation as well as a short bio;
While we can offer some feedback and proof reading, we have limited resources. So place take of style and presentation yourself;
Please use UK spelling (-ise, -yse).
I want to write a book review, what do I do?
We publish reviews of new books published within the last fifteen months. The book should focus on populism and/or related topics (e.g. democracy, social movements, political parties). If you have identified a book with these characteristics, please get in touch with us to discuss the possibility of publishing it here.
Below are some instructions on the book review:
Identify a book;
Contact us to check if there's interest in publishing (maybe the same book is already being published here);
Contact the publisher and request a copy of the book. We encourage our reviewers to ask for a physical copy as a reward for their efforts. We do not support the idea that reviewers are only given an ebook. This is just not fair, and it should not happen;
Book reviews should not exceed the 1000 words;
Try to minimize the use of reference (up to 3, but only if necessary);
Weather you decide to praise or criticise the book, always be respectful to the authors/editors;
While we will offer feedback, if requested, please follow a clear and systematic style and proof read your text.
Who can be included in the list of experts?
We want to contribute in a sustainable academia and minimise gate keeping. So we prioritise giving space and representation to early career researchers, colleagues with precarious contracts and groups that are traditionally disadvantaged.
You can be part of our experts list if you belong to one of more of these groups:
PhD researcher;
Postdoc;
Within 10 years from your PhD;
More than 10 years from your PhD but do not have a permanent contract;
Women;
Minorities;
Global South.
To become part of the list please send the follow info:
Name/Surname, Affiliation, Email and Website (if applicable);
5 keywords that best describe your research. 'Populism' should not be part of these keywords (as everyone here is a populism). They should include 1-2 countries or regions as case studies.
Who do I contact for all the above inquiries?
Please contact Giorgos Venizelos or Thomás Zicman de Barros by sending an email to populism.psa@gmail.com