Beginning in the 1960s and continuing over the 1970s and 1980s, a number of so-called ‘new social movements’ emerged globally, putting previously ignored topics and issues on the political agenda. A variety of organizations and movements were mobilized on behalf of themes such as anti-racism, pacifism, environmentalism, fair trade, urban development, and women's rights. They criticized existing societal and political structures, advocated alternative forms of representation and participation, and were part of a transnational community of activists. Despite often originating from within Christian Democratic movements and milieus, these social movements protested against Christian Democratic parties and their leaders.

This conference aims to explore the relationship, conflicts, and exchanges between Christian Democracy and the ‘new social movements’ from the 1960s until the early 1990s. It will look at how Christian Democratic parties and related milieus responded to the emergence and growth of these movements, as well as how the movements were interconnected with Christian Democracy, both in reality and perception. The geographical scope of the conference is not limited to Western Europe, but also includes other regions, most notably Latin America.

The conference is an initiative of CIVITAS-Forum of Archives and Research on Christian Democracy. It will be held at KADOC-KU Leuven in Leuven from June 7 to June 9, 2023.