Biopolitics

Biopolitics has become a pivotal concept across various domains in political science. Introduced by Rudolf Kjellén at the beginning of the twentieth century, the term underwent significant changes, most notably in the pioneering research of Michel Foucault in the 1970’s and subsequent studies that have approached the notion through a variety of theoretical perspectives. The increasing interest in biopolitics has resulted in a vast array of critical viewpoints aimed at addressing the processes through which ‘life’ has become one of the focal points of political strategies in modern Western societies. While biopolitics holds a central position in both contemporary societies and scholarly discourse, a notable lack of consensus persists regarding its precise definition. The concept seems to be characterized by a fundamental uncertainty that renders it susceptible to divergent interpretations. The lingering question, initially posed by Foucault, revolves around the persistent risk that the affirmative politics of life may transform into a negative politics marked by exclusion and violence—namely a thanatopolitics. This tension underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between politics and life, one that builds upon the insights put forth by Foucault and further problematizes the way in which the different perspectives around life and politics can be assessed and interpreted through his political thought and the various genealogies that his work has generated. This section seeks to contribute to the growing body of scholarship by combining inquiries into the very foundations of the biopolitical canon – such as questions about the theory and history of sovereignty, power, and community – with empirical investigations concerning the management of population, reproductive processes, the promotion of public health, responses to pandemics, climate crisis, and various other issues. We welcome theoretical and empirical submissions that explore the themes of biopolitics and governmentality. This may include interventions into: 1. Theory of biopolitics – new ways of interpreting or challenging Foucault and/or other theorists of biopolitics such as Giorgio Agamben, Donna Haraway, Roberto Esposito, Hanna Arendt, Achille Mbembe, Davide Tarizzo, and others. 2. History of biopolitics – novel biopolitical readings of historical texts or events spanning from antiquity to modern times. 3. Contemporary questions in biopolitics – inquiries into late-modern debates from a biopolitical perspective. 4. Applied and empirical approaches to biopolitics – the study of various biopolitical practices on micro, meso, and macro levels. The section offers continuation to those organized during the five General Conferences held between 2016 and 2020 (Prague, Oslo, Hamburg, Wroclaw, and a virtual event). These well attended sections allowed scholars from different backgrounds to engage in discussions spanning a wide array of topics related to the field of biopolitics. They provided opportunities to forge new connections within their field and to strengthen existing networks. Notably, these prior sections served as a catalyst for the publication of 'Debating Biopolitics: New Perspectives on the Government of Life' (Edward Elgar, 2022). The proposed section for the 2024 ECPR conference in Dublin aspires to carry this tradition forward. It aims to further cultivate and expand these networks, bringing together scholars with diverse disciplinary backgrounds.