Participation in the International Conference on Political Sociology, Bologna, Italy

Applicant: Uğur Berk Kalelioğlu
FB 06 - Sociology, PhD Student

The conference in Bologna served as an excellent platform for engaging with renowned scholars in the field of Political Sociology. The thematic focus of the conference was on democracy and society, with intensive discussions on the contemporary challenges and risks faced by modern democracies. My primary objective for attending was to learn about the latest research findings in Political Sociology and to engage in dialogue with international researchers. This conference provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in discussions about the evolving nature of democracy and its implications for society. Additionally, I had the chance to present my own research in the field of democratic studies.

During the conference, I participated in various presentations, panel discussions, and workshops that addressed critical topics such as populism, political participation, and the impacts of digitalization on democracy. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of perspectives presented by international experts from various academic and regional contexts.
I was honored to share a panel with distinguished participants, including Giovanni Barbieri, Luca Massidda, and Maria Giorgia Caraceni. In my presentation, “İmamoğlu's Charm: Emulating Erdoğan's Playbook for a Counter-Hegemony”, I explored the political ascent of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul, whose victories in the 2019 and 2023 local elections posed a significant challenge to the longstanding dominance of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The presentation was framed within the theoretical context of hegemony as articulated by Antonio Gramsci and Chantal Mouffe, as well as through the lens of populist discourse analysis. I delved into how İmamoğlu's strategies and rhetoric both align with and diverge from those of Erdoğan. İmamoğlu's conservative background from the Black Sea region, combined with his moderate and conciliatory rhetoric, prompted discussions about the potential emergence of a 'new Erdoğanism.' I employed critical discourse analysis of İmamoğlu's public engagements and campaign materials to illustrate how his approach represents a counter-hegemonic force in Turkish politics. The findings from my research suggested that İmamoğlu's success is closely tied to his ability to craft a counter-narrative that not only emulates the established hegemonic framework but also effectively challenges the AKP's control. By presenting a viable alternative to Erdoğan's rule, İmamoğlu has positioned himself as a formidable political player in Turkey's future political landscape.

The feedback I received from the audience and other conference participants was incredibly valuable for further developing my research. Many attendees expressed interest in the implications of İmamoğlu's approach for the broader context of Turkish politics, leading to a rich discussion on the potential for future political shifts in the country. Overall, my presentation was well-received, and it was gratifying to see that my research resonated with such a diverse group of scholars and practitioners.

Overall, the lively discussions that ensued from my presentation validated my findings and opened avenues for collaboration and further exploration of the themes I had presented. Several attendees approached me afterward, expressing interest in potential joint research projects or discussions related to my work. This exchange of ideas and insights provided an invaluable opportunity for networking and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in understanding the complexities of Turkish politics.