About ContERN

ContERN is an international scholarly network focused on the study of contemporary esotericism, broadly defined. In this context, “contemporary” refers to developments emerging from approximately 1950 to the present, while “esotericism” is understood in a non-essentialist sense as a historically situated and globally entangled constellation of ideas and practices that have been identified, classified and (de)legitimised as “esoteric”. From this perspective, attention is directed to the discursive, translingual, and labelling processes through which “esoteric” and “esotericism” are constructed and stabilised, which themselves constitute important objects of study. Following this working definition, the network’s scope is globally oriented and not confined to any particular geographical or linguistic context; it actively encourages the participation of scholars working on materials and traditions outside the conventionally understood “West”.

In contrast to approaches that tend to blur the distinction between scholarly analysis and practitioners’ subjective experience, the network promotes research that situates the ideas, practices, actors, and movements labelled as “esoteric” within broader historical, political, and cultural dynamics. Accordingly, ContERN encourages research that engages with area studies, religious studies, sociology, history, political science, the study of new religious movements and related disciplines, demonstrating how these phenomena intersect with wider social processes and contribute to broader scholarly debates.

ContERN is committed to creating opportunities for scholarly networking and discussion through the organisation of conferences, panels, and publications, as well as sustaining an active online presence via its website, social media, newsletters, and virtual events. It is particularly open to new and emerging voices in the field, including students, PhD candidates, and early-career scholars.

For inquiries, please email info@contern.org.