International Relations Conferences
International Relations conferences are a great way to stay current on international political issues. Academic and policy conferences are often organized either on broad themes (such as ‘International Relations, ‘International Studies’, ‘Political Science’), or somewhat more directed themes (such as ‘Democratization’, ‘Human Rights’, or regional conferences (‘the politics of the Middle East’, etc…).
Conferences often vary in length. Some are one day events with a series of panels, followed by an evening keynote speaker, whereas other larger conferences can be multi-day affairs.
There are many reasons that one should go to conferences.
* Conferences are places where scholars often present their current, and often unpublished research. Therefore, going to these panels will give you a chance to hear innovative research, often well before you find it in print.
* In a similar vein, conferences (and particularly larger international relations conferences) often have additional panels on themes such as teaching pedagogy, discussions on fieldwork, or notes from policy, which can be very useful for someone already working in international relations, or someone considering a career in the discipline.
* Conferences are a great place to ask questions. At every panel, there is usually time not only for a discussion following the paper presentations, but within that discussion, an open-floor where audience members can ask questions about the paper.
* International Relations conferences are a great place for someone to present their own work. Conferences can allow a comfortable environment where you can present your paper, and receive constructive feedback from the panel chair, the discussant assigned to read and comment on the papers, as well as from audience members. Conferences help a writer attempt to convey their ideas to an audience.
* Meeting fellow scholars. International Relations conferences allow one to meet other scholars in the field of international relations. This is not only great for general networking, but for building long lasting friendships with others in the field. Plus, as you may meet others who have related interests as yourself, these meetings can lead to finding out about new research, as well as allow the possibility for collaboration on teaching and research projects.
Having discussed just some of benefits of attending a conference, it is important to know that there are numerous international relations conferences throughout the year, and they are held throughout the United States, and throughout the world. We have listed just some of the international relations, international studies, and political science conferences that might be of interest to the readers.
Below are just some of the international relations, international studies, and political science conferences that are being held in the next year. We will continue to add additional conferences to the list. And if you have a conference that you are aware of, or that you are organizing, feel free to send us the information.
2014-2015 International Relations Conferences
American Political Science Association (APSA) Conference. “Politics After the Digital Revolution,” Washington, DC, August 28th-31st, 2014. Additional information can be found online through the APSA website.
International Studies Association (ISA) Conference. “Global IR and Regional Worlds: A New Agenda for International Studies,” New Orleans, Louisiana, February 18th-21st, 2015. Additional information can be found at ISA’s website.
Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) Conference. 73rd Annual Midwest Political Science Conference, Chicago, Illinois, April 16th-19th, 2015. More information can be found at the MPSA website.
A great website for a detailed list of political science and international relations conferences is the American Political Science Association’s Conferences page.
