March 2011, ISSN 0955-6281, Vol. 22 No. 1
Securing Funds Future Political science and related disciplines discussions on the EU’s future research joined with politics professional bodies are vitally important in helping to plans. in France, Germany, Ireland, Spain and deal with Europe’s many problems The Green Paper’s proposals set other European countries in a letter to including slow growth, the need for out the EU’s goal in the 8th Framework Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European financial reform, social exclusion, civic Programme to speed up progress toward Commissioner for Research, Innovation capacity building, and so on, according a genuinely unified European Research and Science to press the claims for to Professor Vicky Randall, Chair of Area but signal a possibly reduced role social sciences and humanities to play a the Political Studies Association. She for politics as well as other social sciences vital role in meeting the challenges and was reacting to speculation that the and humanities subjects. Observers opportunities Europe is facing. social sciences may be substantially have also seen ominous signs at an disadvantaged in EU funding from organisational level with the integration Discipline’s Capacity 2013 onwards, according to critics of of the specialist section of DG Research Professor Vicky Randall, Chair, has the recently published Green Paper on dealing with social science into a broader liaised with the European Confederation research funding. Professor Randall grouping. Professor Randall urged the of Political Science Associations to draw went on to say that she was sure that the Association to adopt a less pessimistic the Commissioner’s attention to the strength of politics in the UK, together view. dangers of a compartmentalised with its record of achievement in approach to the natural and social previous Framework Programmes, would Joint Approach sciences. In the letter, the heads of stand the discipline in good stead in The Political Studies Association has continued on page 4
REF Panel Announced Vicky Randall In addition, the Association was communication between the REF sub- Political Studies Association Chair consulted about the selection of ‘user’ panel and the Association’s membership. members to be included in the sub-panel It will consider the best mechanisms to In the last issue of Political Studies and whose views on ‘impact’ would ensure this, as the process gets underway. Association News, I reported that the be particularly valued. The three user All in all, this appears to be an Association had submitted a list of 15 members will be Peter Kellner (YouGov excellent panel, high calibre, experienced nominees to HEFCE for the REF Politics Plc), the Rt Hon Peter Riddell (Institute and representative as well as reflecting to and International Studies Sub-panel. I for Government) and Martin Williamson a considerable degree the Association’s also reported that Professor Colin Hay (formerly Foreign and Commonwealth own recommendations. We wish the had been appointed as Chair of the sub- Office). panel every success in their challenging panel. Rather later than expected, on All in all, this appears to be an but vital task of adjudicating fairly 21st February, the final composition of excellent panel, high calibre, experienced between departments and defending the the sub-panel was officially announced. and representative as well as reflecting to discipline of political studies. (Full details are available on the HEFCE a considerable degree the Association’s In the meantime the Political website. See: http://hefce.ac.uk/research/ own recommendations. We wish the Studies Association Executive recognises ref/panels/main_panel_C.pdf). panel every success in their challenging that it will have an important role to The 17 academic members of the but vital task of adjudicating fairly play in facilitating full and regular sub-panel, in addition to Colin Hay, are between departments and defending the communication between the REF sub- listed in full on p15. discipline of political studies. panel and the Association’s membership. Of these, nine (in addition to Colin In the meantime the Political It will consider the best mechanisms to Hay) are individuals the Association had Studies Association Executive recognises ensure this, as the process gets underway. nominated. And we obviously extend our that it will have an important role to warm congratulations to them all. play in facilitating full and regular continued on page 15
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 1 25/03/2011 15:48 2 Association News
Association News | 2 Thomson ISI Recognition for PSR | 2 Irish Political Studies Call for Proposals | 2 Thomson ISI Recognition for PSR Nottingham Team to edit Political Studies and PSR | 3 As members of the Political Studies arrived at by counting how many times a Geoffrey Howe receives Award | 4 Association, readers of Political Studies journal article has been cited in other ISI Securing Funds Future | 4 Association News will be familiar with journals over a specific 2-year period, and Exchange Visits for Association Members to Political Studies and its sister journal then dividing the total by the number of Overseas Conferences | 5 Political Studies Review (PSR) and articles the journal has published over Links to other Associations | 5 they are probably aware that a major the same period. The higher the Impact Sao Paulo Conference a Success | 5 component of PSR is the 100-plus book Factor, the higher the journal sits in the Personal Reflections on New Zealand PSA Conference | 6 reviews which provide incisive analysis list of recognised journals. Making Sense of Political Science of new books being published in the and Politics | 6 field. Readers might be less aware of the Thomson ISI quality and range of articles that PSR has In 2009, the editorial team at Sheffield Specialist Group News | 7 French Politics, Policy and Society | 7 also published over recent years. made an application to Thomson ISI for New Developments for Political Thought | 8 Political Studies Review to be included in The Political Life of Things | 8 Unrivalled Review the citations index, stressing the rigour Anarchist Studies in 2010 | 9 PSR was initially established to provide of the article submission process and GPSG awards Research Fieldwork Prize | 9 its unrivalled review coverage of new quality of the papers now appearing in its Department Profile | 10 books and literature on political science pages. Politics and International Relations at Kent | 10 and international relations. During Department News | 11 its time at Sheffield, it has evolved by Proud Team Family Values | 11 offering a forum for peer-reviewed In brief, Political Studies Review has Ulster to Host 2012 Annual Conference | 11 original research articles which reflect developed into a highly respected and News from St Andrews | 17 on topical and significant approaches widely read journal and the outgoing News from Nottingham | 17 to debates in the discipline, as well as editorial team at Sheffield is delighted Grad News | 12 longer reviews of related books around a to announce that the application to Editor’s Note | 12 specific subject. PSR has published work Thomson ISI on these grounds has been Graduate Conference in Oxford, 2010 | 12 by an outstanding array of internationally successful. The journal will appear for See you in London! | 12 Meet the Postgraduate Network’s renowned scholars as well as leading the first time in the index for 2010, Committee | 13 political practitioners, both from within which will be published later this year. and outside the United Kingdom. This new ISI indexing of PSR is a Conference 2011 | 14 great achievement of which the Sheffield Conference Workshops | 14 REF Panel Announced |15 Key Debates team is very proud, and it reflects the Your Research Council Needs You | 15 The articles published in Political Studies extent to which the journal has been able Speakers’ Biographies | 16 Review are widely cited and have helped to position itself as having a sizeable shape a number of key debates in presence in the field of political science, In Full View | 18 ‘Can Government be Repaired? Lessons political science, but until now it has not both within the UK and internationally. from the USA’ | 17 been possible to judge the success of the It can rightly claim to be at the cutting Talking to Honourable Members | 18 journal against others in the discipline edge of a range of current issues within Appearing in Front of a Select because – unlike Political Studies – it the profession, publishing articles that Committee | 19 Tuition Fees: Voting Against Party Whip | 20 has not been included in the Thomson have both contributed to and helped The Human Rights Consortium, School of ISI ranking of journal citations and their shape the contours of a variety of Advanced Study | 20 Impact Factor. The Impact Factor is important debates. Teaching Contemporary Palestinian Political History | 21 The Campaign for Social Science | 22
Time to Confer | 23 Contemporary Aristotelian Studies in Politics Conference | 23 Irish Political Studies Call for Prague Summer Schools 2011 | 23 David Willets Announces £33.5 Million of Proposals Funding for New Cohort Study | 23 Irish Political Studies publishes a special This means that IPS is now captured issue each year on a theme relating to by the two most eminent academic Irish politics. If anyone has a proposal databases - Web of Science and Scopus for a special issue, they should contact - as well as Google Scholar. We hope Eoin O’Malley at [email protected] this endorsement of the professionalism with it. and scope of the journal will encourage Political Studies Association members to Irish Political Studies is now included submit their research to the journal. in the ISI Web of Science database.
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 2 28/03/2011 12:10 Association News 3 Nottingham Team to edit Political Studies and PSR
higher and more international profile”. On Political Studies Review, the lead will be taken by Dr. Mark Wenman. Mark comments: “Dave Richards has done a great job as editor of the Political Studies Review and this has been recognised in the recent decision of Thomsons to award the journal a place in the ISI citation index. At Nottingham, the journal will continue to evolve into a review journal in the fullest sense; providing an invaluable service to the profession, reviewing a wide range of books published from across the discipline, and introducing periodic reviews of the academic infrastructure relevant for political science research. PSR will also continue to lead the debate by actively soliciting submissions from good quality round table sessions, The Nottingham Team (l to r): Prof. Vivien Lowndes, Prof. Chris Pierson, Prof. Cees van der Eijk and workshops, conferences and symposia, Dr. Mark Wenman and by staging original reviews of the ‘state of the discipline’, encounters within Following a selection process which Steady Advance the discipline, and the interface between culminated with interviews in London Both journals have flourished during the political science and other disciplines”. late last year, a team from the School six years in which they have been edited of Politics and International Relations out of the Departments of Politics at New Team at the University of Nottingham has Sheffield and York. Submissions to both The initial core editorial team is been chosen to take over the editorship journals have increased substantially completed by Professors Vivien Lowndes of Political Studies and Political Studies and the ISI impact factor of Political and Cees van der Eijk, both of them very Review when the present editors at the Studies has advanced steadily. There experienced researchers and authors with Universities of York and Sheffield pass have been innovations, including the a wide range of international connections. up this responsibility in the summer of publication of commissioned papers from But, given the scale of the Political 2011. symposia based around key contemporary Studies/PSR operation, with more than themes, which have helped to raise the 300 submissions and many hundreds of Flagship international profile of the journals. At books in review every year, Nottingham Political Studies is the flagship the same time, the journals continue will be mobilising a much wider editorial publication of the Association, an to be a major forum for the work and team throughout the School. The new internationally-recognised journal of views of members of the Political studies team will welcome submissions from the discipline in all it manifestations Association. across the full range of our diverse and, for many members, their most discipline as well as interdisciplinary important and tangible link with the Strength in Depth interactions with its near neighbours. Political Studies Association. It has been “We are delighted to be bringing The new editors also hope to see more around for more than fifty years and Political Studies and Political Studies submissions in international politics almost every significant figure in the Review to Nottingham”, says lead editor and would welcome those using more profession in Britain (and many from Professor Chris Pierson. “The School technical approaches to the discipline of much further afield) has featured in of Politics and International Relations a kind which have perhaps been under- its pages. Political Studies Review ‘broke at Nottingham is one of the largest represented in the pages of Political away’ from Political Studies in 2003. and most diverse centres for political Studies and PSR in the past. Political Since then, it has been the home of the research in the U.K. We have strength Studies is one of a small and somewhat journals’ invaluable book review section in depth across the discipline, including endangered band of successful, generalist but has also increasingly developed as a international relations, and we believe journals and a part of its continuing home for review of the discipline and the that at Nottingham we have both the mission will be to publish the very best profession in a much broader sense. As experience and the breadth of expertise work from every corner of the discipline reported, it has also now been awarded which editing a major, generalist journal (and the globe) and to allow a space in ISI citation index status by Thomson’s, like Political Studies requires. We aim to which specialists can talk both to each a fantastic achievement by the Sheffield build on the excellent work of the existing other and to the wider professional editorial team. editorial team to give the journal a still community.
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 3 25/03/2011 15:48 4 Association News Geoffrey Howe receives Award Lifetime Achievement in Politics Chief Executive Helena Djurkovic – met Diamond Jubilee Award in February. with Lord Howe – and his wife Lady On granting the Diamond Jubilee Elspeth Howe (herself a very active Award the Jury said: crossbench peer) to present his Award Geoffrey Howe is one of the in London in February 2011. leading parliamentarians of his Lord Howe thanked Professor generation. His 1990 resignation Randall for the Award saying he was speech may be remembered for delighted to receive the award and providing one of the most electrifying added “I express my warm appreciation moments in parliamentary history but of the honour bestowed upon me – a as Conservative MP for three different permanent reminder of the work and seats – Bebington (1964-66). Reigate importance of the Political Studies (1970-74) and after boundary changes Association.” East Surrey (1974-1992) – he enjoyed a remarkable career in the Commons. He served with distinction as Solicitor General, Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry Chancellor of the Exchequer, Foreign
Professor Vicky Randall presenting the Diamond Secretary, Leader of the Commons, Lord Jubilee Award for Lifetime Achievement in Politics to President of the Council and Deputy Lord Howe Prime Minister. His outstanding public service record continues today as a Unfortunately due to unforeseen highly respected – and active – working circumstances, Lord Howe was unable peer. to attend the Awards ceremony in A small delegation from the Andrew Russell, Chair of the Association’s Awards Committee; Helena Djurkovic, Chief Executive of the November but the Association was Association – Chair Vicky Randall, Association; Lord Howe; Vicky Randall, Chair, Political delighted to present him with his Awards Chair Andrew Russell and the Studies Association and Lady Elspeth Howe
Securing Funds Future continued from the cover other flagships under Europe 2020 (in Commissioner’s cabinet, UKRO, member particular the Platform against Poverty state permanent representations and Europe’s professional bodies draw and New Skills and Jobs), the external others in Brussels under the auspices of attention to the discipline’s capacity: dimension and the democratic the European Confederation of Political ❖ to substantiate concrete policies; dimension of the EU; Science Associations. The group press ❖ to identify the conditions under (2) tackle cross-cutting themes the case for an independent research which economic growth and social independently such as poverty/ budget for social science. It stressed the progress, internal and external welfare, integration/migration, special value of integrating Central and security and peace are possible democracy/representation and its East European colleagues in projects, given the current ecological and crisis at all levels of governance; enhancing the participation of female demographic developments; (3) develop the interdisciplinarity that is researchers and creating an information ❖ to act as early warning agents; and, necessary to deal with these topics network of the discipline through ❖ to provide longer-term concepts and and reflect the targets laid down in which common thematic interests and visions about the development of Europe 2020; and, respective specialists can be identified Europe. (4) prove their skills to provide effective and brought together systematically. instruments for the implementation Grand Challenges of the European Research Area May Deadline For this capacity to be realised and to throughout Europe. The UK Association will now prepare a meet the intrinsic goals laid down in the fuller response to the Green Paper and Green Paper of addressing the grand Joint Lobby has already spoken to BISA, UACES societal challenges identified by the EU, To press the discipline’s case, the and others to share information and the social sciences must: Association was represented on a joint coordinate the social science input to the (1) retain their separate space for lobby representing the UK, Ireland, next Framework Programme during the research in policy areas where natural France and German professional bodies consultation period that ends in May. sciences are obviously absent, i.e. that recently visited DG Research, the
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 4 25/03/2011 15:49 Association News 5 Exchange visits for Association Members to Overseas Association Conferences
The Political Studies Association’s ❖ Hong Kong PSA, May 2011 tbc – 4. You are eligible to apply to the International Relations Sub-committee 1 place Association for partial travel support. is promoting internationalisation in ❖ Japan PSA, October 2013 tbc – 1 place Contact [email protected] for the political science profession. We are ❖ Korea PSA, December 2011 tbc details. building on our relationships with our – 2 places 5. Your email application should give global ‘sister’ political science associations ❖ New Zealand PSA, December 2011 tbc your name/affiliation/contact details, by providing grants for Association (Dunedin/Otago)– 2 places very brief CV/publications; title of members to present papers at their major ❖ Slovenian PSA, May 2011 tbc proposed paper and brief abstract; some meetings, conferences or congresses. ❖ Canadian PSA, May 2012 tbc assurances regarding time/funding We are also able to offer ‘exchanger’ (particularly co-funding and backup arrangements with a limited number 2. The receiving association will provide funding) as the most important thing of ‘sister’ Associations. Application is accommodation (usually hotel) during for us is that someone actually goes (it by email only to [email protected]. If you the conference and (usually) an extra is not usually possible to substitute for have specific queries, you are welcome day. They will also provide usual meals/ a drop-out). If you have been on this to contact the Sub-committee Chair, hospitality appropriately, but this varies scheme before, then you are not eligible. Professor Terrell Carver at t.carver@ a bit with each situation. (The Canadian 6. You must be a current Association bristol.ac.uk. PSA provides only gratis registration member. and only to post-graduates who have 7. You will need to write us a very short 1. Exchanges are limited to the following already had papers accepted through the report about your experience suitable associations and meetings: formal process). for publication in Association News. 3. The receiving association will see that Photographs are also welcome. ❖ Australian PSA, 26th - 28th September you are placed on a suitable panel/ 8. Deadline for completed email 2011 (Canberra) – 2 places language group (with the exception of applications is 15th May 2011 to ❖ Brazil PSA, July 2012 tbc – 2 places the Canadian PSA noted above). [email protected].
São Paulo Conference a Success!
Alison Harcourt, Broadening Research Interests Exeter University São Paulo is the largest city in the Southern hemisphere, and one of the world’s largest I recently organised the Political Studies metropolitan areas. The city was very lively, Association invited panel at the ECPR-IPSA particularly as preparation was underway conference in Brazil. The conference was for the Carnival, São Paulo being the home hosted by the University of São Paulo 16th - of ‘samba’, by the cities’ many dance 19th February. schools. But it had a relaxed feel about it The University of São Paulo is at the same time, despite the challenges the country’s largest with 90,000 for visitors of language and impermeable undergraduate students. The conference traffic. was held on the premises of the uni versity’s Polytechnic School, known as Poli Wider Circle (pronounced paw-lee). Poli was created Prices were slightly higher than in Europe when the campus was relocated to a former which is perhaps unsurprising in one of military base in the west of São Paulo to the world’s wealthiest cities. For me, it dampen university city protests following a was an opportunity to meet with a wider 1960s military coup. circle of political scientists and broaden my own research interests. My panel included But now . . . two Latin American specialists. More Today the campus is spacious and well- generally, for participants, the conference provided for in terms of facilities and was attractive for international networking restaurants. Evening receptions were orga- opportunities. nised after plenary sessions at Poli with local food and caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça sugar and lime.
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 5 25/03/2011 15:49 6 Links to other Associations Making Sense Personal Reflections on New Zealand PSA Conference of Political Poppy S. Winanti Science and University of Glasgow Invaluable Experience Politics When my paper was selected as part The conference, which was held on of the Political Studies Association’s 2nd and 3rd December 2010 at the Report on the American ‘Exchanger Programme’ at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, Political Science Annual Conference of New Zealand situated in the heart of the North Association Teaching and Political Studies Association (NZPSA Island, gave me the opportunity to Conference), I was so thrilled. introduce my research activity in an Learning Conference, Considering the distance from the international forum. It also allowed me Albuquerque, UK to New Zealand, I realised that to exchange ideas as well as to expand the duration of a return journey my network and establish contact with New Mexico, 11th - 13th from Glasgow to Hamilton would scholars from other continents. In February 2011 take longer than attending the whole conclusion, flying from wintry Scottish period of a two-day conference itself. weather to a warm and sunny New Simon Usherwood However, from the beginning I Zealand summer to present a paper University of Surrey believed that an exhausting journey to at the NZPSA Conference was an New Zealand would also be rewarding. invaluable experience for me. As we often tell our students, learning (and by extension, teaching) is a very individual experience. This often translates into a sense that the issues and challenges that we face as teachers are special and unique. However, the message that we might take from the APSA’s Teaching and Learning Conference this year is exactly the opposite: there is much to be shared and learned from colleagues across the world.
Pedagogic Benefits to Students Travelling with the support of a Political Studies Association conference bursary, I was one of five British-based James Wong, Poppy Winanti and representatives of the NZPSA Conference (Dr. Patrick Barrett and academics who were able to attend this Dr. Priya Kurian) event.
James Wong former Labour MP (UK), followed Significant Opportunity LSE by a number of interesting and With some two hundred and sixty intellectually rewarding panels. delegates, including a group of Middle “Kia ora!” Down under the sunshine Eastern and North African colleagues, was more than welcoming; I was Worked Out Nicely the conference represented a significant lucky enough to step on the soil of My presentation was scheduled opportunity to discuss the full range New Zealand to join in their Political in the panel on policy theory and of subjects in the field. The conference Studies Association Conference. The policy analysis. At first, I wondered included thirteen separate tracks and Hamilton campus was a bit placid, a bit whether my paper on judgment some twenty workshops, creating a real and the conference was less busy aggregation theory and environmental depth of content and building on an than I thought. Its modest scale was decision-making would fit in well with ever more substantial evidence base. actually a plus, making it just perfect other empirical topics. It worked out This was of particular note in my for mingling. Participants ranged from nicely, and I was happy to speak there; own track, on the use of simulations in senior academics to undergraduate the panelists’ feedback even reminded comparative politics and international students. me that my theoretical project did relations. Not only was it apparent The impressive opening featured make sense to real-world policy-making that such simulations and games Jim Bolger, former prime minister and it could possibly be expanded in have become an increasingly accepted of New Zealand, and Bryan Gould, that direction for my further research! part of the teaching practice, but this has been done with a much clearer
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 6 25/03/2011 15:49 Links to other Associations 7
understanding of the pedagogic benefits allowed presenters to engage delegates by participants on my stream were ones to students. With participants from in active sessions where they could which I had dealt with personally from the full range of American higher explore key issues and share practice. the outset as a result of the quality education establishments, including These ranged from the development of a assurance system here in the UK and I military colleges and those with links to peer mentoring programme, to aligning was able to share my experiences with government agencies, the group stayed learning outcomes with content and them. together for almost all the conference, assessment, to ways to build student allowing for debates and conversations engagement and interest. A roundtable Opportunities to grow and develop beyond that which held during one lunch break provided As an opportunity to meet US-based would be possible in a single panel. some interesting discussion on handling colleagues and discuss the theory Evidence of the benefit of such a model ‘challenging issues’, many of which and practice of teaching politics, the was apparent in the closing session, would be very familiar to UK colleagues. conference was invaluable. I have when track moderators reported briefly developed several collaborative projects back to the rest of the conference: Keynote on network and resource building, as most tracks had put in place plans to Coupled with a keynote from Professor well as some publications. But again, contribute collaborations and build Jane Junn (University of Southern perhaps the most useful point to reflect resources to be shared openly. California), these sessions in particular upon is the way in which we might look highlighted the potential for transferring to further developing links across the Sharing Practice and Experiences experiences across educational systems. Atlantic to allow for a better circulation In addition to the tracks, there were a As a case in point, many of the of ideas and practices. number of other activities. Workshops assessment-related challenges identified French Politics, Policy and Society Alistair Cole and Helen Drake develop close links with other professional Changing State in France’. He is also associations. A joint APSA – Political co-organising a colloquium in Rennes, The French Politics, Policy and Society Studies Association Newsletter was France, October 2011 with the Rennes Specialist Group has had an exciting published in Autumn 2010, and a panel Institut d’Études Politiques, funded by the year under new management since is being jointly organised by Helen Drake Britanny Regional Council. The subject Edinburgh. The Group, under its previous and Sophie Meunier at EUSA in Boston is ‘Métropolisation et régionalisation: des leadership (Ben Clift and Jocelyn Evans), (March 2011). Group co-convenor Alistair dynamiques territoriales convergentes ou organised three panels at the Political Cole is giving a paper at the 11th French concurrentes?’ Studies Association 2010 Annual Political Studies Association (AFSP) Sue Milner (Bath University) is Conference (Edinburgh), involving at least Conference in Strasbourg, France, 31st organising a workshop at Bath University six speakers from the Specialist Group, August - 2nd September 2011 on the on 8th July 2011 entitled ‘UK and French including the current convenors Alistair panel on ‘Les Administrations publiques public policy-making compared’. Cole and Helen Drake. At the conference, en réforme(s): une comparaison Group co-convenor Helen Drake has the decision was taken to hand over the Allemagne-France. Alistair Cole will planned a workshop jointly with Omut group leadership from Ben and Jocelyn to continue to act as co-convenor of the Korkut, convenor of the Association’s Helen and Alistair. Public Administration group of the Comparative European Politics Specialist French Political Science Association, with Group, for 10th - 12th November New Plan which our group seeks to establish close 2011, entitled ‘Political Rhetoric on The new convenors held a planning links. Immigration: the case of Migrants in meeting in Cardiff on 5th July 2010 to Closer to home, Helen Drake France and Europe’. discuss the group’s activities for 2011. The attended the 2010 annual conference of Group has proposed – and had accepted the Association for the Study of Modern Pushing Cooperation – four panels for the Annual Association and Contemporary France (ASMCF) These events reflect the belief that it Conference in London in April. Panels in September 2010 with the purpose is necessary to push cooperation with will be held on Political Parties and the of informing ASCMF members of the like-minded groups of scholars within New Radical Agenda in France (James group’s new leadership and encouraging the Political Studies Association, as well Shields, Aston), Rethinking the French links between the two associations. as to extend the geographical scope Socialist Party (Alistair Cole, Cardiff), and to develop priority links with the France and its migrants (Helen Drake, Forthcoming Events five francophone associations (France, Loughborough) and Sarkozy’s State In addition to those mentioned above, Quebec, Switzerland, Belgium and (jointly organised by Alistair Cole and we will be co-sponsoring or organising Luxembourg). Jean-Michel Eymeri-Douzans, Toulouse, a series of forthcoming events over Further details of the groups co-convenors of the AFSP Comparative the next year. Alistair Cole is on the activities are available at http://www. Public Administration group). steering committee of the Interpretative lboro.ac.uk/departments/eu/research/ Policy Analysis conference at Cardiff ResearchGroups/PSA/Index.html Close Links University 25th - 27th June 2011 and As a priority, the group has sought to will convene a panel on ‘Narrating the
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 7 25/03/2011 15:49 8 Specialist Group News New Developments for Political Thought Dr. Evangelia Sembou learned societies, such as the Britain and Ireland Association Group Convenor for Political Thought (APT). The group maintains a mailing list and a newsletter is circulated by email to group members. The convenorship of the Political Thought Specialist Group Membership is free to Political Studies Association members, changed hands during 2010. The new convenor took over in and people who would like to join are kindly requested to send November 2010 and a secretary, Dr. Zenon Stavrinides (School an email to the convenor at [email protected], of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds) was so that they are added to the group’s email list. appointed a few days later. Following an invitation from the International Political Science Association (IPSA), the Political Annual Meeting Thought Specialist Group is now developing a relationship The Political Thought Specialist Group will hold an annual with the Political Philosophy Research Committee (RC31) general meeting during the 2011 Association Conference in of IPSA. It is hoped that members of the Political Thought London, and we invite all current and future members of the Specialist Group will attend the RC31 – IPSA Conference in group to attend. At the AGM we will discuss the direction(s) Sydney, Australia in July 2011 as well as other similar RC31 the group will take in the next few years, and we would be - IPSA conferences in the future and that members of the happy to listen to members’ own views and suggestions. The Political Philosophy Research Committee of IPSA will attend Political Thought Specialist Group also aims to organise a one- the annual conferences of the Political Studies Association. day conference on “Democracy and Its Critics: Ancient and Modern”; Information about the group can be found at: http:// London Conference www.psa.ac.uk/spgrp/39/polthought.aspx. Professor Mikhail Ilyin will represent the Political Philosophy Research Committee of IPSA at the 2011 Political Studies The Political Thought Specialist Group of the Political Association Conference in London; I am grateful to the Studies Association of the United Kingdom will be holding a Political Studies Association for offering Professor Ilyin a one-day conference on “Democracy and its Critics: Ancient grant toward his conference, travel and accommodation and Modern” at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford University on expenses. The Chair of RC31 – IPSA, Professor Preston King, 22nd October 2011 (tentative date and venue). Interested has expressed an interest in presenting a paper at the 2012 participants should contact either Dr. Evangelia Sembou Political Studies Association Conference in Belfast. These ([email protected]) or Dr. Zenon Stavrinides links aim to foster international co-operation. ([email protected]). Please send abstracts to BOTH The group also aims to cultivate links with other relevant Dr. Evangelia Sembou and Dr. Zenon Stavrinides
The Political Life of Things The Association’s Specialist Group ‘Art and Politics’, together with BISA’s ‘Poststructural Politics Working Group’, held a one day workshop entitled ‘The Political Life of Things’ at the Imperial War Museum in London on 3rd December, 2010. This event started from the assumption that the subject of politics is always already embodied and exists in the context of a multitude of material objects. Politics thus comprises complex assemblages Edmund Clarke, Photographer (recent project on Guantanamo Bay); Bernadette Buckley, Goldsmiths and in which things play a constitutive Roger Tolson, Imperial War Museum role. redress that omission. Continuing Bennett, Johns Hopkins University, Things Omitted a tradition that the ‘Art and Politics’ who presented her recent work entitled Despite often speaking of the role group has always adhered to, the ‘The Power of the Hoard’, and the of things – from ballot papers to event brought together established photographer Edmund Clarke discussed missiles – scholars of politics and academics and PhD students with his recent work on Guantanamo Bay. international relations have largely working artists, photographers, curators The entire workshop is currently overlooked their constitutive power, and independent researchers. The online at: http://backdoorbroadcasting. and this workshop was an effort to keynote speaker was Professor Jane net/2010/12/the-political-life-of-things/
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 8 25/03/2011 15:49 Specialist Group News 9 Anarchist Studies in 2010 GPSG awards Constance Bantman and set of publications are listed on the ASN website. Research Alex Prichard 2010 has been another year of growth Ground-Breaking Volume Fieldwork Prize for the Anarchist Studies Network with Publication continues apace elsewhere a widening membership and significant too. Benjamin Franks and Matt Wilson Roman Gerodimos public and academic impact. A major edited a ground-breaking volume entitled Convenor, Greek Politics Specialist milestone was the launch of the new Anarchism and Moral Philosophy (Palgrave Group, Bournemouth University Contemporary Anarchist Studies book MacMillan, 2010), while edited volumes series, published by Continuum. The on anarchism and anarcho-syndicalism As part of its “Greece: Beyond the Crisis” series editors, Laurence Davis, Uri are also emerging. series, the Greek Politics Specialist Gordon, Nathan Jun and Alex Prichard are Finally, anarchism received a Group (GPSG) recently launched its all founding members of the Anarchist lot of (generally negative) publicity in first research fieldwork competition. Studies Network, and they are supported recent months, and ASN members Applications were sought for any type of by an international editorial advisory were repeatedly been called upon, either fieldwork on any aspect of the complex board also drawn from the ASN’s individually or as a group, to share their economic and social crisis facing Greece. growing membership. Quite apart from expertise with wider audiences. Highlights Following a highly competitive field the fact that this is the first academic include TV Interviews by Carl Levy on of applications and a rigorous selection series of its kind, each book will also be BBC 2’s Newsnight (7th December 2010) process, the Executive Committee of published ‘copyleft’ or under the ‘Creative concerning the connections between the GPSG is delighted to announce Commons share-alike, attribution Julian Assange and political anarchism, that the £400 prize was awarded to licence’, which will allow non-commercial and on Press TV, Rattanisi and Ridley Eleni Christodoulou, ESRC Doctoral sharing and copying of the book. The Show (17th December 2010), again on Researcher at the Department of Political goals of the series are ‘to promote the the connections between Assange and Science and International Studies, study of anarchism as a framework for political anarchism, but also on the wider University of Birmingham. understanding and acting on the most issue of anarchism and the student The panel commended Ms pressing problems of our times’ and demonstrations. Christodoulou on a very strong and the series will publish original scholarly topical bid with a transparent and robust manuscripts on subjects including Huge Debate framework, a feasible research timeframe anarchist history and theory broadly When student protests also brought and a clear link between the funding and construed; individual anarchist thinkers; anarchism to the fore, The Guardian the primary research. anarchist-informed analysis of current published a contribution on anarchism The title of the winning project issues and institutions; and anarchist from ASN members, entitled ‘What is “Greek Politics and Passion(s): or anarchist-inspired movements and Anarchism Really Means’, on 18th reconstituting national identity in the practices. The first titles will be published November 2010. The piece generated midst of financial crisis”. Part of this in 2011. A full call for proposals is huge debate on the Comment is research will involve assessing the impact available on the Continuum website. Free site (not all of it positive of of the economic crisis on Greek identity course!) http://www.guardian. through emotional phenomena present Wide Ranging Publication co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/18/ in discursive political representations. ASN members have also published anarchism-direct-action-student- The broader aim of this investigation is individual articles in a wide range protests?INTCMP=SRCH. We are looking to help shed light on how it is (if at all) of journals, including Refugee Survey forward to an equally productive year to possible that emotions can foster new Quarterly, Journal for the Study of come. identity antagonisms or commonalities Radicalism, European Journal of in the face of financial crises. Ecopsychology, Global Discourse, Anarchist The primary research will consist Studies, The Journal of Contemporary of an analysis of public discourses Thought, Utopian Studies, Modern and communicated through the media, old Contemporary France and The Sociological and new, as well as through political Imagination. A collection of six papers speeches. This will be followed by semi- was published on the inter-relationship structured interviews with experts. between anarchism and international A report on the findings of this politics in December’s Millennium, research project will be published under Journal of International Studies, while the GPSG Working Paper Series (www. Jamie Heckert also edited an issue of gpsg.org.uk/workingpapers.html) in the Sexualities in August, which featured The Politics of Anarchism and summer of 2011. seven papers on anarchism. Both are Postanarchism Moral Philosophy For more information on the group, a clear sign of the growing interest in Saul Newman Edited by Benjamin visit our website at www.gpsg.org.uk Franks and Matthew anarchism in various disciplines. A fuller Wilson
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 9 25/03/2011 15:49 10 Department Profile Politics and International Relations at Kent
The School of Politics and International Relations was one of the founding departments when the University of Kent was established in 1965. Much has happened since then, with dramatic changes taking place in recent years. Rapid growth in staff and student numbers has been accompanied by a steep rise in the latest RAE ranking and augmented research council funding for staff research projects. In the past decade we have more than doubled in size, and we now have thirty members of academic staff. The process of growth is not yet over. Professor Richard Whitman will be joining us in September 2011, by which time we plan to have appointed more lecturers. Students at Undergraduate Graduation Reception with Head of School, Professor Richard Sakwa Research The School is on a strong upward Funding and Publications while Jonathan Joseph’s various articles trajectory. We remain committed to Our improved position is reflected on scientific realism in international propel the School into the rank of the in rising income from the Research relations and governmentality are widely top twenty departments in the field. Councils. Recent successes include cited. Post-RAE 2008, we rose 17 places and Ruth Blakeley’s ESRC funding for are currently ranked 25th in the whole her work on the role of the US in the Internationalisation Strategy of the UK. globalisation of extraordinary rendition The School is one of the most The School’s research encompasses and secret detention of terror suspects. internationalised Politics departments three core research clusters: Conflict, Anne Hammerstad received an ESRC in the country. We offer a range Security and Human Rights; Fellowship to examine the securitisation of opportunities for study abroad, Comparative Politics; and Political and of forced migration and the relationship in various combinations that is Social Theory. Each cluster contains a between conflict and displacement. unparalleled in the UK. We enjoy recognised research centre: the Conflict She is also co-running an ESRC-funded close ties with partner universities Analysis Research Centre (CARC), the seminar series on African agency. Elise in Europe and Latin America where Centre for Federal Studies (CFS), and Féron is the Research Director of an EU students can spend a year studying in the Centre for Politics and Spirituality, FP7 project on diasporas and conflicts in a different language. We also offer a respectively. The CFS is the only one which a Kent team has participated, and degree programme with the choice of of its kind in the country. The Centre’s Professor Hugh Miall has a large AHRC a year in Continental Europe, Japan director, Professor Michael Burgess, has grant to study the role of religious NGOs or China, allowing students who are recently been elected Vice-President of at the UN. not specialising in these countries the International Association of Centres Members of the School are nevertheless to spend time in a for Federal Studies (IACFS) for the next published in top presses and journals. different learning environment. We are three years. Notable recent highlights include intensifying our links with partners The School has a lively Graduate Professor Richard Sakwa’s The Quality in Hong Kong, Moscow and Japan, Research School in Politics and of Freedom: Putin, Khodorkovsky and the and developing new programmes with International Relations. Graduates are Yukos Affair (OUP, 2009) and The Crisis partners in mainland China, Germany, well integrated into the intellectual of Russian Democracy: The Dual State, Turkey and the United States. life of the School, which provides good Factionalism and the Medvedev Succession We have a strongly international opportunities for research training and (CUP, 2011), and Doug Stokes (with student cohort: just under half our professional development. It also hosts Sam Raphael), Global Energy Security students are British, and a high the leading interdisciplinary journal in and American Hegemony (Johns Hopkins proportion of the postgraduates are International Relations, Global Society, UP, 2010). As for journals, the study international and European. Twenty- under the editorship of Doug Stokes. by Edward Morgan-Jones (with Petra six of our existing staff are located in The journal is currently organising a Schleiter) on constitutional change and Canterbury, while four are based at our major conference for 2012 with the governmental stability was published Brussels School of International Studies theme of ‘The Post-Western World’. in the American Political Science Review, (BSIS).
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 10 25/03/2011 15:49 Department News 11
Learning Environment special seminars on issues of the day, We believe that students who spend we also have a very active student-based a year abroad are particularly well- Current Affairs Society (CAS) and a prepared for life and careers in a ‘Visions of Europe’ discussion group. world that is becoming increasingly internationalised. Much of the work Our School’s Ethos of the School, moreover, is inter- We seek to provide a stimulating disciplinary in character, reflected in environment for students to develop the close links that we enjoy with many their intellectual and academic potential. other Schools. We are firm believers in Michael Our undergraduate work is Oakeshott’s view that learning is as innovative and embedded in a larger much about communicating judgement scholarly community. The use of as imparting knowledge, with a simulations and role-plays in our university education less about training conflict analysis programme has been than it is about learning, including nationally recognised through the BISA- learning about how to learn. In the new CSAP award for teaching in Politics and competitive fees regime, it is going to be International Relations. In addition to tough but more important than ever to the Visiting Speaker Programme and remain loyal to these principles. View from the campus, University of Kent
Family Values Ulster to Host 2012 Annual Conference In providing an ‘interest-’ or ‘rights-’ based approach to the value of intimate The 62nd Annual Conference of the familial relationships, the research aims Political Studies Association will be to help bridge the gap between justice- hosted by the University of Ulster. oriented and care-oriented approaches to The conference will be held in and normative issues around the family. around Belfast city centre, including As well as presenting the deep the vibrant Cathedral Quarter. This Dr Adam Swift has been awarded an structure and normative foundations area of Belfast has a rich historical and AHRC Research Fellowship to complete of the value of the family, the research political character, and is packed with a book– co-authored with Professor develops a systematic methodology for fascinating architecture. The Cathedral Harry Brighouse (Department of moving from that kind of philosophical Quarter is full of artistic spaces, cosy Philosophy, University of Wisconsin- work to prescriptions for action in bars and trendy nightclubs. In the 19th Madison) – on Family Values for actually existing circumstances. ‘The century and early 20th century it was Princeton University Press. The book family’ is currently hotly contested a popular site for citizens of the city will set out their account of the value of political terrain, as anxieties about to engage in spontaneous and lively parent-child relationships (the ‘familial ‘family breakdown’ and emotional well- debate on the political issues of the relationship goods’ account) and being become increasingly central to day, making it an ideal location for explore its implications for a range of political argument. The book, which this year’s conference – ‘In Defence of controversial moral, political and legal aims to be accessible to those working Politics’. issues such as: the nature and extent of in a wide range of academic disciplines, parents’ rights over their children and of offers a way of thinking clearly about Annual Lecture children’s rights against their parents; the values at stake and how to combine The politics team is also pleased to the extent to which, and ways in which, them with empirical social science to announce that this year’s Institute parents may legitimately promote their form justified policy conclusions. for Research in the Social Sciences children’s interests at cost to others; the Details of the book will be available Annual Lecture will be delivered by justification of ‘family-friendly’ social on the website www.politics.ox.ac.uk on Lord Peter Hennessy, Queen Mary and economic policies; whether the state publication. University, London. Lord Hennessy’s may legitimately promote marriage; lecture, titled, ‘Watching British and the significance (or otherwise) Dr Adam Swift Prime Ministers’ is the highlight of an of biological connectedness between exciting programme of seminars being parents and children. held throughout this academic year The ‘relationship goods’ approach by the Institute. The lecture will take offers a way of incorporating the place @ 6.30pm on 30th March 2011 emotional and affective aspects in the Belfast Campus. For further of human well-being within the information please contact s.mckee@ distributive paradigm prevalent in ulster.ac.uk. contemporary theories of social justice.
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 11 25/03/2011 15:49 12 GradNews The Political Studies Association News Graduate Network Section
Editor’s Note
We are very proud to say that we have In this second edition of GradNews, we Finally, I would like to take this kept up the success achieved last spring thought it was time that the members opportunity to encourage you once more at the Graduate Conference held in of the committee introduced ourselves to use this section in order to share your Edinburgh. We are very pleased to see formally to all of you! The first section experiences at conferences, workshops that our membership has increased and is devoted to doing so. Next, Sonia and any other relevant academic event. with it, the possibilities for organizing Bussu shares a report of the Graduate Any submission should be sent to interesting and fruitful conferences. May Conference which took place in Oxford [email protected]. all our members receive a big thank you last December. The last section looks from the PGN’s committee for making at what the upcoming conference in Best wishes, the network possible. London shall be like. Lila Caballero-Sosa
The Association’s Graduate See you in Conference in Oxford, December 2010 The second Political Studies Association sparked a stimulating debate in the London! graduate conference in 2010, following audience. Spring is always a very refreshing the conference in Edinburgh last April, One of the most positive outcomes season of the year. For 2011 this was held at the University of Oxford, in of these events is the opportunity for does not just refer to weather Manor Road Building on 6th and 7th participants to network with peers beyond conditions; it also means refreshing December. Despite the poor weather their area of specialisation. Coffee breaks debates and discussions for the conditions which prevented some in between panels offered the space to members of the Association’s delegates from travelling to Oxford, continue the discussion on the work just PGN. As most of you probably the Association’s Graduate Committee presented or simply to get to know each know by now, there will be a organised another successful event other. The Political Studies Association postgraduate conference alongside that offered graduate students the also provided free lunch on both days, the Association’s annual conference, opportunity to showcase their research and the graduate committee organised taking place in London, on 18th work, whether close to completion evening drinks followed by dinner at a April 2011. or at a very early stage, in a friendly local Lebanese restaurant, which proved We have arranged 12 panels environment. very popular. on various topics, from social The conference included 18 panels Once again the graduate conference movements and deliberative grouped in 6 thematic sections on was a fruitful and worthwhile experience democracy to environmental Democracy, Development, Governance, for participants and organisers alike. The policies, Chinese foreign policy, Political Economy, Political Theory, and Graduate Committee strongly believes public administration and political Sovereignty and International Relations. that the conference format, compared philosophy. The Political Studies Out of 60 expected delegates 48 were to workshops, can be very useful, as Association will also offer Lunch able to join us, coming from several UK it helps young researchers to build with the Editors, following the same and foreign universities in Italy, Spain presentation and networking skills and format as last year, to give delegates and even Canada. A number of attendees gain confidence and awareness about the opportunity to meet editors of helped to animate the Q&A session their work, through exchanges of ideas major international journals, who at the end of each panel, encouraging and opinions with peers from different will answer questions on how to get constructive debates and in depth analysis institutions and disciplinary backgrounds. published, book reviews etc. of the issues raised by the speakers. If you have suggestions on how to For information about the On the second day, Dr Stephen improve or strengthen this format, please venue and the programme, you can Fisher from Trinity College, University get in touch and let us know how we follow this link: www.psa.ac.uk/2011/ of Oxford, gave a well-attended plenary can make this a better experience for GraduatePanels.aspx. We look lecture of high topical relevance on “The everyone. forward to seeing you soon! British General Election of 2010”, which
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The Political Studies Association News Graduate Network Section The Political Studies Association News Graduate Network Section
Meet the Postgraduate Network’s Committee
Natali Bulamacioglu is a third year Carolyn Armstrong is currently a Ph.D candidate in International first year PhD student. She is also Relations. She obtained her Master’s the Manager, Treasurer and Research degree in International Political Assistant for the Migration Studies Economy at the University of Warwick Unit. Her research project focuses and completed her undergraduate on refugee protection and physical studies in Istanbul in Political ‘burden sharing’. She is the PGN’s Science, International Relations, and Conference Organiser. Business Administration. Her current research concentrates on banking crises and especially the social construction of bank runs. Natali is PGN’s Secretary. Ninfa Fuentes is a PhD Candidate studying the political economy of trade integration agreements. She studied the MSc in Public Policy Sonia Bussu is on the third year of and Administration at the LSE, and her PhD in Italian local politics and International Relations in Mexico citizen participation in policy-making. City. She is member also of the ECPR Her main research interests are GradNet and is involved in other local government, participatory and editorial and professional committees. deliberative democracy, and public Ninfa is PGN’s President for the period administration. She has been actively 2009-2012. involved in the PGN PSA committee since 2009 and she coordinated the organisation of the Political Studies Association post-graduate conferences Kathleen Henehan is a PhD candidate in 2010 and 2011, initially as in Political Science. Having previously Conference Coordinator and more earned an MSc in Comparative Politics recently as External Officer. and a Master of Research degree, both at the LSE, her thesis explores the causality of variation in public childcare support across the English- Lila Caballero-Sosa is a PhD candidate speaking democracies. Kathleen is in Government, researching on Membership Coordinator of the PGN. the effect of party dynamics in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies. She obtained an Msc in Comparative Politics at the LSE and has research May Chu is a PhD Candidate, studying experience and interests in Regulation in the Food Industry in parliamentary capacity building, China. She has been a visiting student legislative and party politics, as well at Peking University. May is PGN’s as comparative politics. Lila has Treasurer since 2010. been PGN’s Newsletter Editor since December 2009.
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14 Conference 2011 Association Conference 2011, London
Conference Workshops
We invite the membership to attend Political Studies Association - Political Studies Association - these workshops (please see website for Pre-Conference Workshop Pre-Conference Workshop information on fees, including composite rates). Please note that numbers will ‘Impact and ‘The Uses and Abuses of be limited so anyone wishing to attend Engagement: John Locke’ should contact the workshop proposers 18th April 2011, Novotel Hotel, London first as participation opportunities are How to Connect limited. Communities’ In the discussion of the politics of 18th April 2011, Novotel Hotel, London property (as in much else), John Locke will always be a contemporary figure. Political Studies Association - The demands of the Research Excellence Locke’s ideas about the grounding of Pre-Conference Workshop Framework (REF) has presented private property in our labour and the ‘Russia’s Place in the academics with the challenge of ensuring ownership of ourselves continue to their work is relevant to communities that arouse the same mixture of admiration Post-Soviet World’ extend beyond their own. At the same and outrage that they have since he 18th April 2011, Novotel Hotel, London time, the current economic situation was first revealed as the author of requires policy-makers and practitioners the Two Treaties at the very end of the Few external actors would deny that to do far more with far less. It is therefore seventeenth century. The papers in Russia continues to be an important timely to consider what each community this workshop explore several themes player within the international can do for each other and how and when in the Lockean register: questions of community, yet it is not at all clear that they can serve as useful resources. the ownership of other people, the there is consensus about how best to Recognising that the more justifiability of inheritance and bequest, engage Russia and harness its potential immediate challenge is how to enable the nature of individuals as property- as an actor with feet in both Europe and engagement, at this workshop, the owners (specifically in relation to the Asia. Political Studies Association brings contemporary work of Nozick and Therefore, 20 years after the together academics, policy-makers and Cohen), Ritchie’s nineteenth-century collapse of the Soviet Union the Political practitioners. The workshop comprises of critique of Locke and contemporary Studies Association brings together three sessions focusing on the role of a disagreements over the ‘radical’ academics and practitioners in order range of groups, including academics, the Locke. Two further papers consider to reflect on the past and consider Media, and Parliament and Government. the importance of Locke in two very possibilities for the future. In a final session representatives from a different contemporary contexts: in the Invited speakers will open range of communities will talk about their debate over inheritance and equality discussions on a range of subjects with experiences and the benefits of working of opportunity and in the literature a short treatment of their ideas and together in a case study on ‘Having an of twenty-first century utopianism/ experiences of working on or in Russia. Impact’. dystopianism. For further information contact: For further information contact: For further information contact the [email protected] [email protected] Proposer, Professor Chris Pierson [email protected]
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Conference 2011 15
Political Studies Association - the context of executive politics, but diagnoses and management of the crisis Pre-Conference Workshop is also shaped by the institutional and the post-crisis age of austerity. Association Conference 2011, London characteristics of executive politics For further information contact ‘Executive Politics and itself. Therefore, this workshop seeks the Proposer, Dr Martin Lodge: Transforming Politics: to develop a comparative assessment of [email protected] the role of executive politics within the Perspectives on the New context of transforming politics in an Political Studies Association - Politics of Austerity’ age of austerity. It considers the ways in Pre-Conference Workshop which changes in executive politics are 18th April 2011, Novotel Hotel, London reflecting and shaping the transforming ‘Women and Politics’ character of politics, be it within the 18th April 2011, Novotel Hotel, London This workshop explores the contribution domestic (developed and developing) or that the study of executive politics international context. In the first part, the The Women and Politics Political Studies can make to our understanding of workshop considers papers that explore Association Workshop is intended to be a transforming politics in general and key themes that have shaped the study scholarly resource for those researching in the context of the current age of of executive politics and that point to key questions that focus particular attention austerity in particular. The structure, insights into wider debates regarding on the role of women in politics, political organisation and operation of the the transforming nature of political life and political behaviour. The aim is executive branch of politics is an life (managerialism, control, public to bring together specialists in this area essential part of political life that shapes finance/budgeting and reputation). The to exchange information on the most the politics of policy-making and hence second part of the workshop considers current research, to provide support influences political and administrative the context of an age of austerity on and constructive feedback on works responses to policy challenges. The age select areas of executive politics. The in progress, and to encourage cross- of austerity as well as further trends executive branch played a key role in the fertilisation of ideas and findings. that have led to a transforming of management of the crisis and questions For further information contact politics (whether for reasons of change loom if/how this changed executive the Proposer, Dr Kristi Winters: in demographic, environmental or politics. Papers explore the contribution [email protected] or see http:// social value factors) is not just shaping of an executive politics perspective on the psawomenpolitics.wordpress.com/
❖ Professor John Dumbrell ❖ Professor Colin McInnes REF Panel (Durham University) (Aberystwyth University) ❖ Professor James Dunkerley ❖ Professor Iain McLean (Queen Mary) (University of Oxford) Announced ❖ Professor Richard English ❖ Professor Nicola Phillips continued from the cover (University of St Andrews) (University of Manchester) ❖ Professor Andrew Hurrell ❖ Professor Shirin Rai The academic members are: (University of Oxford) (University of Warwick) ❖ Professor Richard Bellamy ❖ Professor Vivienne Jabri ❖ Professor David Sanders (University College, London) (King’s College, London) (University of Essex) ❖ Professor Chris Brown ❖ Professor Charlie Jeffery ❖ Professor Judith Squires (London School of Economics) (University of Edinburgh) (University of Bristol) ❖ Professor Roland Dannreuther ❖ Professor Vivien Lowndes ❖ Professor Jonathan Tonge (University of Westminster) (University of Nottingham) (University of Liverpool)
Your Research Council Needs You! Now that it has a relatively good ❖ A Vibrant and Fair Society but also through associations like the funding settlement coming out of the Political Studies Association. Don’t miss it! comprehensive spending review, the ESRC The Political Studies Association has is looking to commit funding to new already submitted a contribution back in Feel Free research initiatives. January that has helped to shape what Please feel to send any thoughts you may ESRC is now considering under the have to the Association’s Chief Executive, Three Priority Areas ‘Vibrant and Fair Society’ heading, with [email protected]. ESRC wants It has set out three Priority Areas where it emphases on civic engagement’ inequality; comments by 14th April, so please don’t is likely to develop new initiatives in the and international society. leave it until the last minute. next couple of years: A number of ‘task forces’ are now You can find further details on the ❖ Economic Performance and Sustainable working to hone possible research agendas ESRC’s consultation at http://www.esrc. Growth under each of the Priority Areas. This is a ac.uk/news-and-events/news/14950/ ❖ Influencing Behaviour and Informing real opportunity to have your voice heard. working-together-to-deliver-our-strategic- Interventions ESRC invites contributions both directly goals.aspx.
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 15 25/03/2011 15:49 16 Conference 2011 Association Conference 2011, London Biographies
Carole Pateman Marco Novaro Carole Pateman is a distinguished Marco Novaro has a degree in sociology Professor at the Department of Political and a PhD in political philosophy from Science, University of California, Los the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). Angeles and Honorary Professor at the He is currently Director of the Political School of European Studies, Cardiff History Program (PHP) at the Gino University. Since September 2010 she has Germani Research Institute of the UBA been President of the American Political and he is the President of CIPOL.org Science Association (APSA). (Centro de Investigaciones Políticas In March 2010 she was awarded the title of Academician of the / Center of Political Research). The PHP hosts the Oral Council of the Academy of Social Sciences in the UK. History Archive (archivooral.org), with almost 200 interviews Her research interests are political theory; democratic to Argentinean policymakers of past three decades. He is a theory, early modern theories of an original contract and researcher of CONICET and a professor of Political Theory at contemporary contract theory, feminist theory, critical race the Political Science department of the University of Buenos theory, citizenship and the welfare state. She is the author of Aires. several books and numerous articles. Some of her key works Novaro has published numerous articles in national are: Participation and Democratic Theory, The Problem of Political and foreign journals. Among his most recent books includes: Obligation, The Sexual Contract, The Disorder of women, Feminist The History of Contemporary Argentina (Edhasa Editorial, Interpretations and Political Theory, Contract and Domination, Buenos Aires, 2006), and The political collapse in the demise Illusion of Consent: Engaging with Carole Pateman. of the convertibility (Editorial Norma, Buenos Aires, 2002). In collaboration with Vicente Palermo, Novaro has published The Recent History. Essays on the democratic experience in Argentina (Edhasa Editorial, Buenos Aires, 2004) and The Military Iain McLean – Shapiro Lecture 2011 dictatorship (1976-1983) (Paidós Press, Buenos Aires, 2003). Lecture title: “England does not love coalitions” – the most misused political quotation in the book Vicente Palermo Synopsis Vicente Palermo is a sociologist and The lecture begins by examining the essayist and has a PhD in political context in which Benjamin Disraeli first science from the Complutense used the title phrase in 1852. It does not University of Madrid. He has lived mean what it says, nor can Disraeli have seriously intended in Spain, Brazil and Italy, and he is a it to. The history of coalition governments and minority researcher of CONICET, Gino Germani governments in the United Kingdom – including in its Institute (University of Buenos Aires). devolved territories – is then discussed. How anomalous was He has taught undergraduate and the coalition government formed in 2010? graduate students at universities in Argentina, Brazil, Spain Proceeding into comparative politics, the lecture reviews and Uruguay. Vicente is dedicated to Latin American policy the growing literature on the political economy of electoral issues and Argentina’s recent political history. He is the author systems. In the light of this new literature, is Duverger’s Law of several books and numerous articles. Currently he is working still valid? And what can we conclude about the trade-off on a comparative essay on contemporary Argentina and Brazil, between government decisiveness and inclusiveness? addressing both political and cultural issues.
Biography His book Salt in the wounds. The Malvinas in Argentina`s Iain McLean is Professor of Politics, Oxford University and a contemporary culture (Sudamericana Ed., Buenos Aires, fellow of Nuffield College. His recent work has been on UK 2007) won LASA Latin America 2009 prize. Among other public policy, and applications of rational choice analysis to UK publications, Palermo recently edited Across the River. political history. Relevant publications include What’s Wrong Uruguayan and Argentine between environmentalism and politics with the British Constitution? (OUP 2010); State of the Union: (compilation edited by Edhasa, Buenos Aires, 2007) and wrote unionism and the alternatives in the UK since 1707 (with Alistair in collaboration with Marcos Novaro The Military dictatorship McMillan, OUP 2005; winner of the WJM Mackenzie Prize); (1976-1983) (Paidós Press, Buenos Aires, 2003). and Rational Choice and British Politics (OUP 2001).
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 16 25/03/2011 15:49 Department News 17 ‘Can Government be Repaired? Association Conference 2011, London News from St Andrews Lessons from the USA’ The School of International Relations A Political Studies Association has appointed Professor Richard Special conference grant helped the English, formerly of Queen’s American Politics Group to organise University Belfast, as Professor of an international conference, ‘Can International Politics and Director of Government Be Repaired? Lessons from the Centre for the Study of Terrorism the USA’ in December 2010. Support and Political Violence (CSTPV). was also received from the Eccles Centre Professor English has written for American Studies, which hosted the extensively on Irish nationalism, and event at the British Library Conference his most recent book is Terrorism: Centre, and from the US Embassy and How to Respond (Oxford: Oxford London University’s Institute for the University Press, 2009). Also joining Study of the Americas. the School in February 2011 are Dr US participants included Andrew Sibylle Scheipers, formerly Director Rudalevige, Brian Schaffner and James Studies of the Changing Character of Thurber, joined by other speakers from War Programme at Oxford University, the UK and Denmark. The conference who has been researching the role of will be followed by an edited volume of ‘unlawful combatants’ and irregular papers edited by Iwan Morgan and Philip Philip Davies and James Thurber fighters’. Davies. Photo: © Alexander McIntyre
News from Nottingham
Corruption research on immigration and political Professor Paul Heywood from the community which is underway by University of Nottingham was one of Lauren McLaren of the University of two overseas experts invited to attend a Nottingham, the London-based think conference in December 2010 to launch tank Policy Network has launched a new the Bolivian Institute for Research on Barrow Cadbury Trust seminar series Transparency and the Fight Against on the topic. The series kicked off late Corruption. The new Institute represents last year with a brainstorming session in the latest anti-corruption initiative by the London, and included a paper presented government of President Evo Morales, by Lauren McLaren outlining her ongoing the first in the region to establish research and findings in the project. This a ministry specifically dedicated to and later sessions were also attended by combating corruption. Funded by the other prominent academics, think tank David Estlund, Brown University Ministry of Institutional Transparency researchers, journalists and politicians, and the Fight Against Corruption, the including former Home Secretary As with the earlier papers, Stoker’s Institute is designed to promote research Charles Clarke. presentation generated a lively discussion, into the problem of corruption as well in which senior academics, new entrants as to establish links with academic Governance and Public Policy in the to the profession, postgraduate research experts both in Latin America and United Kingdom students and practitioners in local internationally. Professor Heywood’s The Centre for British Politics hosted its governance participated, resulting in a presentation at the conference focused third annual conference at the University fascinating, and hugely enjoyable, finale. on the difficulties of measuring in December. The aim was to explain and corruption, and he also took part in a assess recent and current developments Political Theory Centre launches press conference alongside the Minister, in UK governance and public policy, The University’s new research centre in Dra Nardi Suxo, at which he addressed examining both institutional reforms political theory, CONCEPT, held its first questions from the Bolivian media on and changes in key areas of public policy event in December with a conference the significance of the government’s anti- under ‘New Labour’ and the present on “Democracy and Utopophobia in the corruption drive. Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition Work of David Estlund”. Professor Sarah government. O’Hara, Dean of Faculty, provided the Immigration and Trust The conference concluded with official inauguration speech. Professor Inspired by British Academy-funded a plenary session led by Gerry Stoker. David Estlund of Brown University then
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18 In Full View
delivered the plenary address on ‘What Good Is It? Unrealistic Political Theory and the Value of Intellectual Work’. This was followed by a series of panels on various themes relating to utopian political aspirations and democratic practice, with speakers from both North America and Europe. Centre Co-Directors Dr Mathew Humphrey and Dr David Stevens said “This was a David Holdstock from the award sponsors LGcommunications, Matthew Goodwin, Philip Cowley and Paul tremendous opening event for CONCEPT, Heywood. with papers of the highest quality on the national transformation and workers’ General Election won a national award in key question of the status and role of rights: an analysis of Chinese labour December. democracy in political life.” CONCEPT within the global economy’ (RES- Professors Philip Cowley and Paul will be hosting its second conference, 062-23-2777). The project will start in Heywood, and Dr Matthew Goodwin “Humanism in Agonistic Perspective: October 2011 and includes a three-year accepted the Some Comms Award Themes from the Work of Bonnie Honig” fellowship for Dr. Chun-Yi Lee, who will for Best Low Budget Campaign at the in April 2011. be responsible for the empirical research Deansgate Hilton in Manchester. in China. A few weeks earlier the blog was ‘highly Grant Report commended’ in the category ‘Most Professor Andreas Bieler has been Prize News Innovative Use of New Media’ at the awarded a grant of £275k by the A blog created by members of the How-Do Public Services Communications Economic and Social Research Council University’s School of Politics & Awards. (ESRC) for a project on ‘Globalisation, International Relations to track the 2010
Talking to Honourable Members
Iain McLean Parliament but not by the minority evidence, and that the public should Oxford University Scottish Government. I was one of those know that claims made by the Scottish called to give evidence on the proposed Government lacked foundation. In January I gave evidence as an tax devolution in the bill. The call for expert witness to two very different evidence invited witness to compare the I draw some lessons for potential expert Parliamentary committees, one in UK government’s plan with its rivals. witnesses. Edinburgh and one in London. It can be My evidence was uncontroversial. I ❖ Make only statements that can be fun, but it is a challenge. It can count was followed by two academic economists verified by evidence towards “impact” but you have to earn who later complained that they had ❖ Do not express party-political opinions respect. been ambushed. They had previously ❖ Submit a written statement first In London, I joined other written a paper that claimed that fiscal ❖ Be prepared for hostile or unexpected constitutional specialists to give evidence autonomy for Scotland would, in and questioning to the Commons select committee of itself, cause GDP to rise. This was ❖ Check the party affiliation and likely dealing with the constitution. It is manna to the Scottish Government who interests of the members before going currently very active, with several cited it extensively in lieu of producing along inquiries in hand. Our session was on any studies of its own. But four of the ❖ If the questions go outside your the draft Cabinet Manual produced by MSPs on the Bill committee (from three expertise, say you don’t know – don’t the Cabinet Secretary. Was it a positive different parties) established that the speculate; but be prepared to send development? (we said Yes). Was it a sources cited in the paper did not justify supplementary data to the committee revolutionary usurpation of power? (No). its claims. if you can find the evidence later Should it be signed off by Parliament? (divided). Tristram Hunt MP, the Ambush? Being an expert witness is not historian and telly-don, was a particularly Was it an ambush? There was hurt on everybody’s cup of tea. It is hard unpaid active interlocutor. both sides. The economists complained work (you can step up and become a that they had come to give evidence committee adviser, but don’t expect Compare Rivals on something else, and that they could that to make you rich either). But it can In Edinburgh, the stakes were higher. not be held responsible for the use be rewarding. It is a public service; it The Scottish Parliament was examining the Scottish Government had made of exemplifies impact; and it helps redress the Scotland Bill, which has been their paper. The committee majority the puny strength of the legislature proposed by the UK Government and is retorted that fiscal autonomy was one against the mighty strength of the supported by a majority of the Scottish of the topics on which they had sought executive.
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In Full View 19 Appearing in Front of a Select Committee
Christopher Hood University of Oxford Martin Lodge London School of Economics
The invitation to appear in front of a parliamentary select committee triggers feelings of both gratification and apprehension. No media training exercise, teaching training, tweeting, or robust academic seminar interchange prepares you for a grilling by a set of politically diverse legislators. Most of all, it means not being able to hide behind Christopher Hood Martin Lodge powerpoint (or ‘keynote’) slides and it is unlikely that legislators will have paid with little time for sound-bites and much interest to your background or showpersonship? And how do you expect experience. In fact, it is unlikely that they your words to play into party-political will have even heard of you, and you’ll battles? be lucky if they have read your learned These were the kind of questions memorandum. we confronted when invited to appear If there is one consolation for the in front of the House of Commons’ regular listener of Today in Parliament, Public Administration Select Committee then it might be that the usual academic (along with fellow Political Studies appearance in front of a select committee Association-member Professor Martin is on the basis of invitation, not Smith of Sheffield). The committee requirement. It is unlikely that you will had asked about the meaning of the have to face condemnations of personal ‘post-bureaucratic age’ in the context of wrong-doing or ridicule of the kind austerity, experiences regarding sustained reserved for chief executives of major civil service reform, and about indicators Martin Smith banks (e.g. ‘Why is it easier for a camel regarding a code of ‘good governance’. to pass through the eye of a needle There are different interpretations partly contradictory, partly overlapping than a rich man’ – something that John of the academic role in front of a select policy dynamics, all of which having Mann MP asked Barclay’s Bob Diamond) committee. Some successfully take distinct implications for bureaucracy or former oil company bosses (e.g. ‘It the line of a parti pris contributor to a in terms of skills and competencies, is clear to me that you don’t want to political debate. We chose the different loyalty understandings, institutional answer our questions. Are you failing route of non-aligned engagement, prerequisites, and policy instruments. to co-operate with other investigators offering fairly neutral perspectives, and For us, ‘post-bureaucracy’ could involve: as well?’ – a question by Congress concentrating on the disambiguation of representative Henry Waxman to then BP particular sound-bites or phrases. To help i) The pursuit of Subsidiarity in the chief Tony Hayward). us disambiguate words such as ‘post- sense of relying on third sector So what is the academic role bureaucratic age’ and ‘good governance’, organisations for the welfare in front of a parliamentary select we wrote a short policy memorandum, and other services. Accordingly, committee? Are there any clear do’s and trying to be concise and jargon-free government should only perform don’ts for the academic witness beyond in our argument, and choosing some those functions that exceed the the obvious desirability of coming across relevant examples, designed to be capacity of individuals or private in a respectful and informed way? Being interesting. groups independently, and public concise is likely to be a major challenge So what did we actually try to say services should be as local as possible. for many of us – classroom-style mini- about the post-bureaucratic age? We However, Subsidiarity requires legal lectures are liable to be interrupted suggested that ‘post-bureaucratic age’ and financial (and tax) arrangements or cause signs of impatience, if not was not a meaningless term per se, but and, more importantly, the presence boredom. How can one at least aspire not it was necessarily an ambiguous term, of competent organisations to deliver to appear as academically detached and just as the term bureaucracy in itself is these kind of service; aloof, if not arrogant in front of a group an ambiguous term. Post-bureaucracy ii) The Abandonment of particular of time-pressured parliamentarians, could be understood to signify four services and activities (such as food
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20 In Full View
rationing, or flood defence protection) These are all interesting phenomena, but particular making reference to our without arranging for alternative they are not the same, and they can come submission? If ideas raised by us but forms of provision; into conflict. not attributed to us appeared in the iii) The conduct of government or public But does it all matter? An report, could we claim having had services with maximum participation, experience like this highlights some of impact? And what if neither of these for example in budget setting; the ambiguities of the idea of impact two happened, but we nevertheless iv) Organising government or public that currently preoccupies the academic contributed to meaningful exchanges services that emphasise non-coercive world. Even if our views are cited with and wider relationship building with a measures where the state places as approval in the committee, does this new generation of committee members? little emphasis as possible on its prove that we had an impact on the As of now, there isn’t a reliable way of distinct coercive powers, but rather committee or were we a convenient measuring and scoring these issues – relies on market-based mechanisms, political cover for positions already maybe by the time of the next generation price incentives, information taken? Would our impact be only REF there will be an established way of exchanges or private party contracting classified as such, if the government scoring such issues? for the delivery of services. was to formally accept the report, in
Tuition Fees: Voting Against The Human Rights Party Whip Consortium, School Trevor Smith review nearly thirty years ago. A similar, of Advanced Study LD life peer and former Vice-Chancellor more extensive exercise, covering all and Politics professor subject areas, is what is now required but The Human Rights Consortium will not happen. (HRC) hosted by the School of When the Browne Report on tuition fees Advanced Study (University of was debated in the Lords last October Second-tier HEIs will find it more London) was established to facilitate I spoke against its recommendations. difficult to remain viable with the and promote research in human Appointed by the Labour government, its withdrawal of government teaching rights in the UK and internationally. recommendations were largely accepted grants; they will not be able to charge The HRC constitutes a national and by the new Coalition; in this sense it tuition fees at rates that will compensate international hub of human rights was a re-run of the Dearing Report more for this loss. As a result there are likely to expertise. The main aim of the than a decade earlier which proposed the be mergers, acquisitions and closures in HRC is to facilitate, promote and introduction of university tuition fees. this area. disseminate academic and policy work on human rights. It hosts Both Reports, and particularly Browne, Equality visiting fellows and coordinates which recommended very much higher Neither of these consequences have the publication of high quality fees, paved the way for the privatisation been thought through. There is a third work in the field of human rights of higher education. That’s a perfectly consideration – the ethical dimension: broadly understood. The HRC is logical basis but it is one I don’t share. the matter of inter-generational equality. also committed to organising and But Browne was not asked to look at The current generation of legislators supporting academic, policy and all the consequences of such a system. enjoyed third-level education receiving practice-oriented events on human First, it will necessitate large-scale maintenance grants and having fees rights. rationalisation of HE. paid by the state. Now they are going to Funding or other support shift the costs of such education almost for human rights-related events Closing Departments entirely onto the individual; and this at a may be sought from the HRC. The more prestigious universities will time when the rate of return on a degree Further information on the HRC swiftly close non-profitable subject areas. is falling. In all equity, a once- and- for- and recently organised events and Already, some chemistry, philosophy all retrospective graduate tax should research projects can be found at and modern language departments have be imposed on all those who attended www.sas.ac.uk/human_rights.html. been closed. There were five nuclear university between 1948 and 1998. It Application guidelines for event engineering departments thirty years’ ago won’t happen, of course, but it should support can be found at www.sas. and they have long since disappeared just have at least been discussed. ac.uk/572.html. The next deadline as the UK needs more nuclear energy. for applying for support for Human How many departments of palaeontology, My final reason for voting against the Rights events is 30th March 2011 architecture, the performing and visual LibDem Coalition whip, was political. for events proposed for the autumn arts does the UK need? Left to themselves The new system of fees, loans and of the same year. market forces are likely to reply ‘none’. bursaries is too complicated to easily Geology in the UK was rationalised into explain and is therefore bad politics. five departments following the Oxburgh
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In Full View 21 Teaching Contemporary Palestinian Political History
Dr Karma Nabulsi University Lecturer in International Relations and Fellow in Politics, St Edmund Hall
The British Academy sponsored programme, Teaching Contemporary Palestinian Political History (TCPH), is currently the largest programme of its kind that links British and Arab universities in the field of Political Studies. The programme is an illustration of the dynamic research potential that can be unleashed through intensive cooperation between institutions in the developed world and their counterparts Some of the participants of the BA workshop in 2010, Oxford in the global south. Based at the University of Oxford’s Department of most effective way possible to university In addition, the programme has led to the Politics and International Relations, level students. Such a vision requires a creation of research teams in Occupied it comprises a successful partnership specific process of gathering sources, be Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and the with the Political Science Department at they written or oral. With this in mind, United Kingdom. These have pursued an An-Najah University, and brings together a network of leading academics and intensive research agenda, completing a a network of scholars and students junior scholars was assembled, the first comprehensive bibliographic survey and from other Palestinian and Lebanese of its kind internationally, and a series of reading list; identifying and gathering institutions. workshops - held in the Middle East and thousands of selected rare documents; the UK - brought them together over the and conducting hundreds of oral history Significant Implications past two years with international scholars interviews. Along with these partners, I launched from Britain, France and South Africa. TCPH in December 2008 to further North-South Cooperation teaching and research on the democracy Workshops Planned The work of the TCPH programme will era of Palestinian political history (the Several workshops are planned for the be completed in July 2012. The written “PLO decades” of the 1960s, 70s and programme’s final year 2011-2012, and oral sources gathered during the 80s), an area of inquiry with significant focussing on its four central themes research, along with the bibliography, implications for understanding the of inquiry: the repertoire of means of reading list and suggested curriculum regional politics of the Middle East as political dissemination; the structure and will be shared online with the rest of the a whole, as well as for the comparative power of organisation; doctrinal rules and scholarly community. The work is also study of democratic struggles elsewhere. rituals; and exile groups and solidarity leading to the publication of monographs, In teaching this subject, educators networks. These workshops are planned chapters and journal articles. It is my are confronted by the dispersal of to result in finalising an international hope that these concrete outputs will documentary written sources due to curriculum. encourage, and contribute a model for, conflict, dispossession and occupation; In the course of the work, future north-south cooperation in the the unavailability of accessible oral comparative input was sought from, field of Political Studies. sources; and the lack of a special and continues to be given by, similar curriculum for teaching these sources. initiatives such as the South Africa A fourth problem is that this kind of Democracy Trust (SADET), French political history is mostly “hidden”, resistance history national education created by movements, parties and programmes, as well as the British individuals that were often operating Academy Republicans Without Republics clandestinely, carefully concealing their network of scholars. These ongoing work. partnerships with distinguished scholars TCPH was tailor-made to overcome of South Africa, Europe and North these difficulties with a particular America, continue to ensure that the pedagogic aim in mind: utilising primary broader methodological thematic context sources to communicate essential aspects is present in the conceptual design of The TCPH Programme logo from the poster of of Palestinian political history in the TCPH. Al Karameh
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22 In Full View The Campaign for Social Science
Madeleine Barrows Academy of Social Sciences’ activities in with MPs. Discussions have begun with Communications Officer, Academy Making the Case for the Social Sciences the All Party Parliamentary Group on of Social Sciences over the past 12 months, and there are Social Science and the Chair has agreed plenty of opportunities for members to consider presentations from the CfSS The Campaign for Social Science of the Political Studies Association to on a range of topics. This could include (CfSS) provides a further opportunity to become involved. Members can take issues such as AV and voting reform, promote the importance and value of part in the regional roadshows that have in which there is much interest at the political studies within the overall context begun rolling out across the nations. present time. of the social sciences. Not only has the Many social scientists came together A successful Campaign will see Political Studies Association donated to share views and experiences at social science as publicly valued and funds to help the Campaign achieve its Northumbria, Sheffield and Liverpool appreciated, as well as better understood objectives, but Helena Djurkovic, CEO universities. The discussion opportunities both within policy making circles and the has joined the CfSS Campaign Board, on that have been available at these events public at large. In short, social science which Association member Professor Ivor have proved very valuable and the will be widely understood as a necessary Gaber also sits, so political studies is well Campaign hopes to meet many more of core ingredient of a successful economy represented. you at the forthcoming roadshows in May and society. and June. Start, join and follow debates What is the CfSS? on Facebook and Twitter (follow the links Resources need Strengthening But what is the CfSS and why has it been from www.campaignforsocialscience.org. However, to deliver this Campaign launched? Social scientists know what uk) as well as on Social Science Space successfully the Academy’s existing very they do and why it is valuable, but it is (www.socialsciencespace.com). Comment slim resources need to be strengthened, clear that the public at large are less sure is Free at the Guardian hosted an item in so an associated development Appeal of what social science is. Does the term February inspiring some heated debate is seeking to raise £250,000 from the ‘social scientist’ conjure up an image about the nature and value of social social science community. This will fund in the public mind of a person doing science. research and public engagement units something valuable for society? Do the The Campaign is encouraging over five years. Donations have already general public have any idea of the spread all social scientists – those in political been gratefully received from members of subjects that ‘social science’ covers – is studies included – to get their work into of the CfSS Board, the Academy Council, political studies seen to be part of it? And the media, make social science more several member learned societies – do they appreciate what will be missing widely known and understood and bring including the Political Studies Association if social science melts away because of the issues that concern us more clearly – and key social science publishers. All lack of support? It seems the answer is into the public arena. The Campaign social scientists are invited to contribute ‘No’. Does this matter? The clear answer can help place stories in the media and to the Appeal, however small an amount is ‘Yes’. make the term ‘social scientist’ more – it all adds up – and this can be done At a time of far-reaching changes familiar. So many social science stories very easily through the Campaign in funding of study and research and of are published every day in the media website: www.campaignforsocialscience. sources of advice for public policy, it is but are not readily understood as such org.uk , where other information about imperative that a clearer understanding – the Campaign is working to ensure events, sponsors and ideas can be found. of the nature and value of social science that ‘social science’ is a term that carries The Campaign Board is headed work is formed in the public mind. meaning. It is on the lookout for talented by Professor Tony Crook AcSS, of Without this, social science is vulnerable science communicators to spread the Sheffield University, who has extensive to being overlooked and all that that message that social science makes a experience of fundraising work through implies at this time of severe fiscal difference. his work as Chair of the homelessness restraint. The Campaign for Science charity Shelter. Other members are: and Engineering (formerly ‘Save British Sidelining Not Acceptable Professor Paul Wiles (ex Government Science’) has been enormously successful In the forefront of the public eye, Chief Social Scientist); Kate Barker over the last 25 years in raising public politicians cannot pretend any longer that AcSS (ex Monetary Policy Committee); consciousness about the importance of social science research is some sort of Ceridwen Roberts AcSS (Academy STEM subjects in society – the evidence luxury that can be economised or that a Council); Robert Upton AcSS (Academy is there in the media. The CfSS aims to social science education is less valuable Council and Infrastructure Planning emulate that success. than a natural science one in creating a Commission); Professor Michael Harloe Opportunities to get Involved strong and fair society and economy. A AcSS (Academy Council and former VC The CfSS was launched at the successful campaign will mean that any Salford University); Professor Ivor Gaber House of Lords on 20th January with attempt to sideline social science will AcSS (Professor of Political Journalism); speeches from David Willetts, Polly result in a public outcry. To complement Judith Mudd (CEO British Sociological Toynbee and Trevor Phillips, amongst the activities of the Political Studies Association) and Helena Djurkovic, CEO others. It will build substantially on the Association, the CfSS will work closely of the Political Studies Association.
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Time to Confer 23 Contemporary Aristotelian Studies in Politics Conference 3rd June 2011 Plenary speakers: Alasdair MacIntyre theory, and the capability approach working in contemporary Aristotelian (London Met), Kirsten Ainley (LSE), to distributive justice and global studies. Nicolas Laos (St Elias Grad School), Ron development. Beadle (Newcastle Business School) and Submission guidelines Keith Breen (QUB). The new Contemporary Aristotelian Submissions must include the paper title Aristotelianism is a distinct and Studies (CAS) specialist group of the and abstract of 300-500 words, author’s important paradigm in philosophy and Political Studies Association invites name, and institutional affiliation. other disciplines, including politics. proposals for panel papers in all areas Submission deadline is Monday 11th Aristotelian arguments provide the of contemporary Aristotelianism for April. foundations for contemporary work its inaugural conference to be held Please send submissions as well in virtue ethics, critical realism, at London Metropolitan University. as questions about the conference to hermeneutics, ideas of citizenship and Priority will be given to Political Studies [email protected] the common good, natural law theory, Association members; however, we For more information please visit versions of contemporary natural rights welcome submissions from anyone http://caspsa.wordpress.com Prague Summer David Willets Announces Schools 2011 2nd - 9th July 2011 £33.5 Million of Funding for Why? The Prague Summer Schools New Cohort Study are (delivered as) seven-day academic programs designed to bring together The Campaign for Social Science harmful effects of poverty and exclusion. undergraduate and graduate students warmly welcomes the announcement It is the first study of its kind that will of various nationalities and academic of government backing for a new birth begin data collection before birth. backgrounds to enjoy their summer cohort study. More, much more, the study will holidays in the unique academic and The study will produce a wealth provide vital information about how the cultural environment. of new data about the lives and social current economic and environmental The Prague’s Centre for Public Policy conditions of British children being climate influences the way our society is pleased to announce the forthcoming born in the second decade of the 21st works. Prague Summer Schools 2011 on the century. Close cooperation between The government’s decision is an following topics: social researchers and medical specialists impressive vote of confidence in the ❖ European Summer Institute on the will give the work added depth and Economic and Social Research Council, Future of Europe: Lobbying in Brussels usefulness. which – with the Medical Research ❖ Summer School on Crime, Law and David Willetts, the science minister, Council – will supervise the research Psychology has worked hard to steer support for the contract and disseminate results. ❖ Summer School on Cultural study through Whitehall. Government Professor Tony Crook, chair Dimensions of Politics in Europe departments from education to work and of the Campaign for Social Science, ❖ Summer School on “China: A World pensions will find the results of huge said ‘I congratulate the minister for Superpower: Myth or Reality? benefit in understanding society and winning support for this vital exercise. economy and framing policy. The Millennium birth cohort study is Contact Details The Campaign looks forward to already producing a treasure trove of More information can be found on our social scientists, in the UK and overseas, findings, for example about the impact website at praguesummerschools.org analysing the cohort study data and of policies put in place in the last decade. Prague Summer Schools, enriching our sense of who we are. Without it a great gap would have Center for Public Policy, Vyjezdova 510, The new study will enable social opened in our long-term understanding 190 11 Prague 9, Czech Republic, scientists to probe the influence of of social dynamics. Now the new birth Tel: +420 737 679 605 parenting on later life, the effects of cohort study will allow social scientists E-mail: [email protected] school choices on development or to to capture changes in the social and The Early Bird application deadline work out how best to protect cognitive economic conditions of Britain over the is 29th April 2011. The final deadline is development and guard against the next years.’ 13th May 2011.
Professor Neil Collins Holly Hardwicke Political Studies Association, Chief Executive Officer: Registered Company with Editor Assistant Editor Department of Politics, Helena Djurkovic. limited liability in England University of Newcastle, Membership Secretary: and Wales, No 3628986. email: [email protected] email: hhardwicke@ Newcastle upon Tyne Sandra McDonagh. gmail.com NE1 7RU. Conference Officer: To advertise in this Tel: 0191 222 8021 Sue Forster. Newsletter, please contact Fax: 0191 222 3499 Sandra McDonagh at Email [email protected] Registered Charity [email protected] Web: www.psa.ac.uk. No. 1071825. Editorial Team
PSA_March_2011_aw_03.indd 23 25/03/2011 15:49 Association Conference 2011 ‘Transforming Politics: New Synergies’
This year’s Annual Conference offers an opportunity to think about the current and future position of the discipline. Twenty years since the end of the Cold War, ten years since 9/11 and amidst a new wave of popular uprisings in the Middle East, we are forced to take stock of the role of our discipline as a vehicle for understanding emerging social and political trends. Recognising the potential obstacles to our discipline in years to come has to be a necessary precondition to thinking about the role of the academic community at a Professor Carole Pateman (Chair of APSA) Finally, on a lighter note, we welcome a time of change and transformation. will revisit her work on participatory return to the Political Studies Association democracy for the Political Studies Annual Quiz! Conference Aims Association Annual Plenary Lecture. In The aim of the 61st Political Studies addition to this, Professor Vicente Palermo ‘New Projects’ Meetings Association Annual Conference is to will discuss Anglo-Argentine relations. As we all know networking is an important debate the extent to which political acts Building on last year’s addition to part of conference life. This year we wanted and theories have changed in recent the annual conference, this year we will be to provide a dedicated time and space years and to consider the emergence of running a series of specialist workshops for delegates to make the most of the new synergies and collaborations. With on Monday 18th April 2011. The aim of opportunity to do just this. a view to promoting cross-disciplinary the workshops is twofold: firstly, they will If you are thinking about a new participation and collaborative research, bridge academic research and practice by project, are considering funding this year’s conference seeks to consolidate encouraging a wider practitioner presence at opportunities and who you might bring international links with other professional the Conference. Secondly, they will provide on board or have a barely conceived idea associations such as APSA and ECPR. an opportunity to consolidate research that would benefit from a brainstorming With over 190 panels, this year’s networks and build on current research with session, the Political Studies Association conference will showcase some of the best a view to produce high quality output. invites you to use the conference venue to work currently being done in the field of organise informal meetings. political studies. The programme is packed Poster Sessions In the afternoon of Wednesday 20th with interesting topics and we hope that New to the conference are the dedicated April, the Bourgogne Suite will be available delegates will find the streaming of panels poster sessions. The purpose of the posters for delegates to meet informally. Please facilitates attendance at all panels in a is to disseminate research as widely as see the ‘New Projects’ noticeboard at the particular research area. possible. The poster sessions will allow conference for precise times and for a place authors to engage with a wider audience, to advertise your nascent idea and invite Keyonote Speakers therefore making the research output contributors to come along. The high standing of our keynote speakers more widely available to the academic If you would like any information will also provide the backdrop for debate and practitioner community. Posters will prior to arriving at the conference, please at the Conference. The Government and also provide an opportunity to bridge the contact the academic convenors at: Opposition-sponsored Shapiro Lecture will academic practitioner divide by encouraging [email protected] be delivered by Professor Iain McLean, scholars to present work in a way that who will talk about coalition and minority is succinct and accessible to the wider More Details on page 14 and 15 governments in the United Kingdom. community.
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