Political Theory research group

Political Theory Research Group brings together scholars from political science, international relations, sociology and philosophy who share an interest in 'political theory' broadly defined. 

About us

The Political Theory Research Group brings together scholars from political science, international relations, sociology and philosophy who share an interest in ‘political theory’ broadly defined. Members have interests that cover the history of the political thought, analytical political philosophy, continental political theory, feminist theory, international ethics and the study of political ideology.

For further information about the research group contact:

Activities

The core activity of the group is its regular, informal meetings to present 'work in progress'.  By long standing convention, these meetings are convened in a consciously collegiate and supportive atmosphere.  Constructive feedback and discussion arising out of these meetings has been vital in enabling members of the group to bring varying types of project to successful completion.

As such, research and scholarship of the group has had impacts in engaging topical themes (such as human rights, reactionary rhetoric, the role of emotion in politics, agonism); in shaping initiatives to diversify traditional political theory 'canons' and curricula, both inside the university and beyond; in informing activism contesting anti-migrant sentiment; and in methodologically self-reflective work explicitly tackling the role that 'philosophy' and 'theory' might play in real-word politics.

The group has a strong track record of nurturing the work of early career researchers, and an active commitment towards doing so.  In 2020, Dr Melany Cruz, supervised by members of the group, won the distinguished 'Sir Ernest Barker Dissertation Prize for Political Theory' awarded by the Political Studies Association (PSA).

Members

Academic members:

Doctoral researchers

  • Melany Cruz
  • Mai Hamad
  • Dylan Grove
  • Stephen Williams

 Political Theory research group is part of the Department of Political Science and International Studies.