TUDiSC 6th Conference | Conference Program Just Released!

The conference program is now finalised – and it promises an inspiring and thought-provoking experience in Dresden! Proceedings begin on November 26, 2025 with a festive welcome to the city: participants are invited to join an evening visit to the world-famous Striezelmarkt, followed by an optional cultural highlight at the Semper Opera with Puccini’s Turandot.

The academic program opens on November 27 with registration and welcome words by Christian Prunitsch, followed by Marianne Kneuer’s introduction to the conference theme. Three panels then set the stage for an in-depth exploration of authoritarian networks. Panel I examines conceptual foundations, focusing on how autocratic systems stabilize power and integrate elites. Panel II looks at media and communication dynamics, discussing the role of social media, AI, and populist narratives in reinforcing authoritarian tendencies. Panel III widens the perspective to transnational developments, from Chinese digital influence in Africa to the role of private foundations in autocratization. The day concludes with a keynote by Rachel Beatty Riedl on democratic erosion through transnational authoritarianism, followed by an invited dinner hosted by TU Dresden.

On November 28, Panels IV and V continue the discussion, followed by a collaborative brainstorming session on future funding opportunities, and optional social activities in Dresden’s historic centre.

The full program can be found here.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 6th TUDiSC conference! If you haven't yet registered you can do so here.