conference call: Leadership, Governance, Government, Governmentality, and Subjectivation
Christopher Allsobrook
South African Association of Politics Studies, with the Centre for Leadership Ethics in Africa, Department of Politics and Philosophy, University of Fort Hare
Leadership, Governance, Government, Governmentality, and Subjectivation
Conference date: 24th to 25th September 2026 – Blue Lagoon, East London
Abstract deadline: 10th April 2026
Leadership, governance, and government are a focus of discontent and disruption facing many societies, yet they are central to tackling short-term crises and long-term challenges.
Leadership crises in Africa are often recognised as a major impediment to sustainable development, good governance, and social unity. As we have lately seen in the USA, democratic countries in the developed North are not immune to such challenges.
Globally, the last decade has seen a severe breakdown of trust in the authority of leaders. This is not limited to formal politics, government, or the public sphere. It extends to the private sector, to institutions of civil society, and to informal networks of association.
The rapid rise of AI technologies is transforming leadership in unprecedented ways, challenging traditional notions of leadership while also opening new paths for growth and innovation. Can AI support and enhance leadership functions, decision-making processes, and strategic planning?
Relatedly, what role does the use of various social media platforms play in helping to increase trust in democratic governance? Are ethics and public trust in democracies enhanced by populism or are they eroded?
Does the exercise of democratic leadership require necessary and essential ethical parameters? How is democratization informed by the practice of ethical leadership?
Regarding governmentality, the conference also invites contributions to the formation of subject positions in discourses, processes of subjectivation in governmental power practices, and the constitution of ourselves as ethical selves in self-technologies change compared to Foucault’s late account of subject constitution in neoliberal capitalism.
The conference is open to interdisciplinary research and cross-national perspectives.
Presenters will have approximately 30 minutes for presentation and discussion.
We request submission of abstracts (between 150-250 words) by 10 April 2026.
Abstract should be submitted to SAAPS...@yahoo.com
Notification of acceptance will be received by the 17th of April.
Conference Registration Fee: R1,000.00
(24-25 September – includes lunch)
Conference dinner: R225
SAAPS membership fee: R1,000 – tenured academics (if you are not already a member)
Discounted student membership fee: R200
Limited funds are available for the registration fee of Eastern Cape students. If you seek sponsorship, please make sure to indicate this with your abstract.
If acceptance notifications are needed prior to the submission deadline, please contact the organizer Dr Christopher Allsobrook calls...@ufh.ac.za or calls...@gmail.com
Any queries regarding the conference should also be directed to Dr Allsobrook
We look forward to your contribution!