CRIS Conference 5-7 October 2021 | Online
Dr Mario Peucker, Victoria University
Cristina Del Frate, Yarra City Council
Session Chair: Mark Duckworth PSM, Deakin University
This session discusses practical learnings from a recently concluded research study on far-right dynamics in three Victorian municipalities, paying particular attention to community-specific factors that can influence community resilience to far-right narratives and increase, or decrease, the chances of community-driven counter-mobilisation.
Focusing in particular on the role of local government and civil society, the workshop will explore how structural factors, such as urban planning and segregation, interact with community and identity-related issues, such as local pride, belonging and social cohesion, and in doing so influence local resilience to harmful political mobilisation and social division. Moreover, the workshop will shed light on how local government can manage local conflicts and dissent, and enhance its preparedness and responses to divisive social and political dynamics in their municipality.