CALL FOR PAPERS: RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS AND ELECTORAL POLITICS

“Open Theology” (https://www.degruyterbrill.com/opth ) invites submissions for the special issue “The Impact of Religious Movements on Electoral Politics and Political Behaviour,” edited by Dr. Caglar Ezikoglu.

DESCRIPTION

This topical issue investigates the impact of religious movements on electoral politics and political behaviour. We seek contributions that integrate theological frameworks with empirically grounded analysis (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method) to examine mobilization, political engagement, and institutional change. Submissions should aim to articulate proposals with real traction—normative and operational—attentive to feasibility and measurable change.
To comprehensively cover these dynamics, the issue highly welcomes papers that assess electoral dynamics and voting patterns, specifically how religious movements actively influence voter turnout and shape party affiliations. Submissions are also encouraged to dive into normative and theological frameworks to reconceptualize concepts such as authority, obedience, and conscience within the highly charged contexts of political campaigns and religious rhetoric. Additionally, the issue invites analyses of movement formation and governance, focusing on organizational leadership, grassroots mobilization strategies, and how these elements successfully translate into political capital. Lastly, we welcome intersectional research that examines how underlying social locations—such as gender, class, and colonial legacies—shape political participation and behavior within these religious movements.

Especially welcomed are papers presenting:
• Electoral Dynamics & Voting Patterns: Quantitative or qualitative assessments of how religious movements influence voter turnout and party affiliations.
• Normative & Theological Frameworks: Re-conceptualize authority, obedience, and conscience within the context of political campaigns and religious rhetoric.
• Formation & Governance: Analyze organizational leadership, grassroots mobilization strategies, and their translation into political capital.
• Social Locations & Intersectionality: Examine how gender, class, and colonial legacies shape political behavior and participation within these movements.

Because “Open Theology” is published under an open access model, as a rule, publication costs should be covered by Article Publishing Charges (APC), paid by authors, their affiliated institutions, funders or sponsors. Authors without access to publishing funds are encouraged to discuss potential discounts or waivers with OA Portfolio Manager Magdalena Skoneczna (magdalena.skoneczna@degruyterbrill.com ) before submitting their manuscripts.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Submissions will be collected until September 30, 2026, via the on-line submission system at http://www.editorialmanager.com/openth/ Please choose section/category: special issue Religious Movements and Electoral Politics. Before submission, authors should carefully read the Instruction for Authors, available at: https://www.degruyter.com/publication/journal_key/OPTH/downloadAsset/OPTH_Instruction%20for%20Authors.pdf .
All contributions will undergo critical peer review before being accepted for publication.

Further questions about content for this thematic issue can be addressed to the editor, Dr. Caglar Ezikoglu (c.ezikoglu@wlv.ac.uk).

Financial questions should be directed to the journal OA Portfolio Manager Magdalena Skoneczna (magdalena.skoneczna@degruyterbrill.com) . In case of technical problems with submission please write to Assistant.Managing.Editor@degruyterbrill.com .

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