CARP 2023 Conference
Character Assassination, Illiberalism, and the Erosion of Civic Rights
June 21–23, 2023 · Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Conference Overview
Examining how character assassination accompanies challenges to liberal democracies from autocracies,
populist politicians, nativism, and the normalization of incivility in political discourse.
Liberal democracies face multiple external challenges from autocracies across the world, as well as internal
challenges from populist politicians, nativism, and the normalization of incivility in media and political
discourses. Character assassination (CA) often accompanies these political and social conflicts, especially
when unresolved ideological and moral issues are involved.
Social conflicts become aggravated when moral issues intermix with political and economic factors. Factions
then resort to persuasive attacks on character to delegitimize and disempower their opponents. This increased
polarization and aggressiveness of elite rhetoric likely foster voters’ cynicism and discontent with politics
as usual. The increasing gap between liberal elites and the disgruntled electorate, in turn, likely provides
even more fertile ground for intra-elite conflict, and paves the way for illiberal conceptions of the democratic order.
Keynote Speakers
Guest of Honor
Conference Hosts & Sponsors
Host Institutions
- University of Amsterdam – Faculty of Humanities and Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR)
- VU University – Faculty of Humanities
Co-Sponsors
- CARP Research Lab – Character Assassination and Reputation Politics Research Lab
- Illiberalism Studies Program – The George Washington University
International Collaboration
This conference represents a unique collaboration between leading European and American research institutions,
bringing together expertise in character assassination research with specialized knowledge of illiberalism and
democratic erosion. The partnership facilitates cross-continental dialogue on threats to liberal democracy
and civic rights.
Conference Themes
Illiberalism & Democratic Erosion
- External challenges from autocracies worldwide
- Internal threats from populist politicians and nativism
- The gap between liberal elites and disgruntled electorate
- Illiberal conceptions of democratic order
Character Assassination & Political Conflict
- CA in ideological and moral conflicts
- Persuasive attacks to delegitimize opponents
- Increased polarization in elite rhetoric
- Voter cynicism and political discontent
Incivility & Media Discourse
The conference examines the normalization of incivility in media and political discourses, exploring how
aggressive rhetoric and character attacks contribute to the erosion of democratic norms. Sessions analyze
the intersection of moral, political, and economic factors in social conflicts and their role in fostering
intra-elite conflict and democratic backsliding.
Conference Sessions
Conference Materials & Resources
Access the complete conference program and additional materials from the CARP 2023 Conference
on Character Assassination, Illiberalism, and the Erosion of Civic Rights.
Conference Documents
Additional Resources
Original Conference Page
Complete details and context from the original conference website
Illiberalism Studies Program
Co-sponsor research program at The George Washington University
CARP Research Lab
Learn more about ongoing character assassination and illiberalism research
Note: This conference brought together international scholars to examine threats to liberal democracy.
For questions about research collaboration or materials, contact the CARP Research Lab.
Research Focus Areas
The 2023 conference addressed critical contemporary issues at the intersection of character assassination,
illiberalism, and democratic erosion.
Democratic Challenges
- External Threats – Challenges from autocracies and illiberal regimes worldwide
- Internal Pressures – Populist politicians, nativism, and political polarization
- Elite-Citizen Gap – Growing disconnect between liberal elites and disgruntled voters
Character Assassination Dynamics
- Ideological Conflicts – CA in moral and political disputes
- Delegitimization – Strategic attacks to disempower opponents
- Rhetorical Aggression – Increased polarization in political discourse
Media & Discourse
- Incivility Normalization – Breakdown of civil political discourse
- Media Amplification – Role of media in spreading character attacks
- Public Cynicism – Impact on voter trust and democratic participation
Global Perspectives
- Cross-National Analysis – Comparative studies of illiberal trends
- Historical Context – Lessons from French Revolution and other historical cases
- Contemporary Applications – Modern implications for democratic societies
Conference Related Videos
Explore video content that connects to the key themes discussed at the CARP 2023 Conference on Character Assassination, Illiberalism, and Civic Rights.
An overview of character assassination research methodologies and key concepts explored by the CARP Lab.
Analysis of contemporary political discourse and the role of illiberalism in modern conflicts.
Exploring how institutional trust crisis affects democratic discourse and character assassination dynamics.
Related Research Content
Explore additional CARP Lab research on character assassination, illiberalism, and democratic erosion
that connects to the themes discussed at the 2023 conference.
Character Assassination Research Overview
A comprehensive overview of the CARP Lab’s research program and methodological approaches to studying illiberalism and democratic erosion.
The CARP Lab’s research program directly addresses the challenges explored at the 2023 conference,
providing evidence-based insights into how character assassination functions within illiberal political
movements and its effects on democratic institutions and civic rights.
Learn more about ongoing research into illiberal politics, democratic backsliding, and the strategic
use of character assassination in undermining liberal democratic norms and institutions.