School of Politics and International Studies

This group uses political theory to address issues of contemporary public concern and encompasses scholars with expertise in a wide range of areas of social and political thought. The political theory group has a strong track record of internationally-recognised research and engagement with other research groups, both within POLIS and across the university.

The group specialises in the application of normative and explanatory theory to pressing issues of political practice. Particular areas of research strength include political ideology and social activism; democratic theory and practice; nationalism; political ethics; liberal political theory and feminism.

The group is linked with the Leeds University Centre for Democratisation Studies and hosts a seminar programme that provides a lively forum for the exchange of ideas among staff and research students. We have a growing community of postgraduate students in political theory who play an integral role in our research activities. Members of the group meet regularly to review and discuss their current research and to provide critical encouragement for their own work and that of MA and research students in the field.

There is a strong culture of collaboration in the group. We are developing a forum for the sharing of ideas and analysis of debates in political theory and we organise a range of academic events and work together in the formation of new research programmes and joint publications. The group is also part of the White Rose Association for Political Philosophy that brings together experts in political philosophy from the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. The WRAPP hosts a regular programme of seminars and conferences.