Annual CAPONEU conference: Political Novel in Europe Between Democracy and Authoritarianism
Caponeu event22.04.2026 - 24.04.2026
Location: The Faculty of Polish and Classical Philology AMU (Fredry 10, Poznań)
Organized by: Tomasz Mizerkiewicz, Krystyna Pieniążek-Marković, Anna Gawarecka, Ewa Szperlik, Magda Potok, Błażej Warkocki, Gerard Ronge (all Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań)
Contact: gerron@amu.edu.pl
The Adam Mickiewicz University team, as part of the international CAPONEU Consortium, warmly invites you to the annual conference Political Novel in Europe Between Democracy and Authoritarianism. The main academic sessions will take place from 22-24 April 2026, with accompanying public events starting on 21 April.
Why is there a constant need to examine politics through the lens of the novel? Historically, this unique literary form has proven highly effective in illuminating the complex relationship between pro-democratic and pro-authoritarian tendencies. This is why the Political Novel in Europe (PNE) will be the focal point of our conference—serving as a vital aesthetic space where the tension between these opposing political impulses is constantly revealed, embodied, and rigorously debated.
To comprehensively explore these dynamics, the event bridges the gap between theory and practice. The program features both formal academic panels and engaging public meetings with acclaimed writers.
PNE will be analyzed by a highly interdisciplinary group of experts, including:
-
Literary scholars and political theorists
-
Cultural studies experts
-
Policy makers with local, national, and EU experience
-
Contemporary writers
For full details regarding the schedule, speakers, and venues, please see the attached conference programme.