Event Description
IPSA 2026 World Congress: Moscow, August 27-28, 2026 - A Critical Juncture in Political Science
The International Political Science Association (IPSA) World Congress in Moscow, scheduled for August 27-28, 2026, stands as a pivotal moment for global political scholarship. Held against a backdrop of profound global transformations – rising authoritarianism, intensified geopolitical competition, technological disruption, and climate crises – this Congress promises a vital platform for critical dialogue, rigorous analysis, and collaborative research. While the precise program details are still under development, IPSA's enduring themes and the unique context of Moscow suggest a congress focused on navigating the complex challenges and opportunities shaping our contemporary political world.
Core Thematic Pillars:
The Congress is anticipated to revolve around several interconnected core themes reflecting IPSA's mission and the pressing global agenda:
1. Democracy Under Strain & Resilience: Intense scrutiny of democratic backsliding, the erosion of norms, the rise of populism, and the resilience of democratic institutions in diverse contexts. Sessions will likely explore the quality of democracy, civic engagement, the role of media (including disinformation), and pathways to democratic renewal.
2. Geopolitical Realignment & Multipolarity: Analysis of shifting global power dynamics, the reconfiguration of international institutions, competition between major powers (including the US, China, EU, Russia), the role of regional blocs, and the implications for global governance, security, and development in an increasingly multipolar world.
3. Technology, Power & Politics: Deep dives into the transformative impact of digital technologies on politics. Expected topics include AI governance, algorithmic bias, cyber warfare, digital surveillance, social media's influence on public opinion and elections, and the challenges of regulating the digital sphere.
4. Inequality, Identity & Social Justice: Examination of deepening social, economic, and political inequalities; the politics of identity (ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality); social movements demanding justice; and the role of the state and civil society in addressing exclusion and promoting inclusion.
5. Climate Change, Environment & Political Economy: Exploration of the political dimensions of the climate crisis, including environmental governance, climate justice, the politics of energy transitions, the impact on migration and security, and the intersection of environmental policy with economic systems and development models.
6. Governance, Institutions & Public Policy: Critical analysis of state capacity, institutional design and performance, public policy processes, decentralization, corruption, and the effectiveness of governance mechanisms in addressing complex public problems.
Moscow's Significance:
Hosting IPSA in Moscow adds a crucial layer of significance. It provides a unique opportunity to engage deeply with post-Soviet political transformations, Russian perspectives on global affairs, and the interplay between domestic politics and international relations in a major Eurasian power. The location facilitates discussions on non-Western political thought, alternative models of governance, and the dynamics of power in regions often less centered in mainstream Western political science discourse. It encourages a more inclusive global conversation.
Expected Format & Impact:
The Congress will feature a diverse array of formats: keynote addresses by leading scholars, thematic panels, roundtables, workshops, poster presentations, and specialized working group meetings. It aims to foster cross-regional and cross-disciplinary collaboration, provide a platform for emerging scholars, and generate critical insights that inform both academic research and public policy. The outcomes are expected to shape research agendas, contribute to methodological innovations, and strengthen the global network of political scientists.
In essence, IPSA 2026 in Moscow is poised to be more than just an academic conference; it will be a critical forum for confronting the defining political challenges of our era, leveraging diverse perspectives, and charting a course for meaningful political science in the 21st century. It represents a vital gathering point for the global political science community to grapple with uncertainty and seek pathways toward a more just, stable, and democratic world.