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Plus ça change ? The Regime Ecology: resilience and adaptation in the connections between political parties and organised civil society at the meso level - The case of Charleroi

Publié le 16 octobre 2025 Mis à jour le 3 novembre 2025



Séminaire/webinaire de l'axe Partis, Élections et Représentation with Nicholas Martin, Cevipol-ULB


Abstract

How can we understand the pattern of connections between political parties and civic associations at the meso level? In this paper I argue that new insights on this question can be developed by conceiving of these connections ecologically. I introduce a novel concept, the ecology of connections, and seek to map such an ecology with a case study of the city of Charleroi in the region of Wallonia. Using social network and thematic analysis I find that the ecology of connections in Charleroi is formed predominantly around informal and often acquaintance based relationships, that are underpinned by shared values of solidarity and a strong sense of community. I label this pattern of connections the Regime Ecology, one that functions to sustain a resilient coalition of municipal administration, parties and associations in the city. This coalition seeks to use its limited powers and resources to meet the needs of citizens in the face of numerous and growing social and economic challenges.





Date(s)
Le 5 novembre 2025

15h30 - 17h

Lieu(x)

ULB  I  Campus du Solbosch

Salle Rokkan S.12.234
Bâtiment S, 12è étage

44, Avenue Jeanne, 1050 Bruxelles

Contact
Pietro Castelli Gattinara : pietro.castelli@ulb.be