SWEPSA 2025
Welcome to SWEPSA 2025 conference, hosted by the Department of Political Science at Linnaeus University
The Future of Political Science
Political science stands at a pivotal moment, confronted with both significant challenges and transformative opportunities. In an increasingly turbulent world, it is essential to reflect on the questions we have yet to ask, the topics we have overlooked, and the perspectives we have failed to include. The future of our discipline will be shaped by these inquiries, as well as by the capacity of early career scholars—PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and beyond—to lead political science into innovative and impactful directions.
At the 2025 Swedish Political Science Conference, we will engage in dynamic discussions on the future of political science, exploring the critical issues that will define our field in the years to come. These conversations will unfold across a variety of events, and we invite you to stay tuned for updates on these events throughout the spring as we prepare together for SWEPSA 2025.
Key dates
April 2025
- Submission of abstracts opens
Submit your abstract to the relevant working group. Under each working group, you can find a link for submission (via e-mail).
13 June 2025
- Deadline for submission of abstracts
(Abstract collection is extended until 15 August for some working groups) - Registration and payment opens
29 August 2025
- Registration closes
1-3 October 2025
- Conference takes place
Other important information will be shared by the relevant group.
Programme
Wednesday, October 1
09:30-10:30 Check in
10:30-12:00 Working groups
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-15:00 Working groups
16:30-18:00 Panel Navigating the Academic Job Market: Panel for Early Career Scholars at SWEPSA 2025 with Elin Bjarnegård, Anna Michalski, Maria Thürk, and Douglas Brommesson (Södra salen)
Thursday, October 2
08:30-10:00 Working groups
10:00-10:30 Fika
10:30-12:00 Working groups
12:00-13:30 Lunch and year meeting for SWEPSA (Wicksell)
13:30-15:00 Working groups
17:00-18:00 Kollegialt samtal Om Trump kommer till Sverige (Konserthuset, Växjö city)
19:00 Conference dinner (Konserthuset, Växjö city)
Friday, October 3
08:30-10:00 Working groups
10:00-10:30 Fika
10:30-12:00 Working groups
12:00-13:00 Lunch
Working groups
The working groups for this year are listed below, including a description of the group, chairs, and contact information.
Submit your abstract to the relevant working group.
Submission of abstract opens April 21 and closes June 13.
Political behaviour and parties (Full)
Working group chairs
- Elvis Bisong Tambe, Linnaeus University
- Per Strömblad, Linnaeus University
This workshop welcomes normative, theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions to research on political behaviour, elections, and political parties. The aim is to bring together political scientists interested in topics such as political participation, voting behavior and turnout, political recruitment and representation, political leadership, legislative behavior, party goals and organization, party competition, government formation and policymaking, social movement activism, political responsiveness, social trust, and public confidence in institutions.
We invite contributions from both junior and established scholars with an interest in these topics. Papers may be written in English or Swedish. The workshop will be conducted in English if any non-Swedish-speaking participants are present.
Welcome to submit your abstract to one or both of the following email addresses:
elvisbisong.tambe@lnu.se
per.stromblad@lnu.se
Critical studies of power and the political (Accepting abstracts until August 15)
Working group chairs
- Andreas Öjehag-Pettersson, Karlstad University
- Tove Mattisson, Linnaeus University
This workshop is open for all researchers interested in critical studies of power and the political.
In short, this means that we welcome submissions that draw on critical approaches in the social sciences to explore political phenomena as they manifest in traditional politics and policy, events, organizations, practices, and knowledge production in past or contemporary societies. Such approaches include, but are not limited to, post-structuralist approaches, critical discourse analysis (CDA), Feminist theory, Foucauldian and governmentality analysis, post-colonial studies, Marxism and post-humanism (for instance ANT, STS or new materialism).
Papers are not limited to any specific sub-field of political science or any particular empirical topic. That said, they often revolve around questions of (in)equality, the workings of power, subjectivities, otherness or questions of governing in an era marked by neoliberal forms of rule.
We welcome theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions. Papers can be written in English or Swedish, however, the default workshop language will be English. If you are a PhD-student and would like to join the discussion without presenting a paper, please contact one of the chairs so that we can try to make room for you.
Finally, the workshop is also associated with the Swepsa Network for critical studies of power and the political. This is also open for interested researchers and contact information can be found at the Swepsa website.
Welcome to submit your abstract to the following email address:
European studies (Accepting abstracts until August 15)
Working group chairs
- Anna Michalski, Uppsala University
- Anders Persson, Linnaeus University
- Anna Seliverstova, Linnaeus University
This workshop welcomes papers dealing with European politics in a broad sense. Themes can include, but are not limited to, the EU liberal democratic order, autocratization, state and human (in)security, European (dis)integration as well as the EU’s institutions, policies and regional and global actorness.
We welcome empirical-oriented papers as well as papers that deal with theoretical or methodological developments within these fields. Papers can be written in English or Swedish, however, the default workshop language will be English unless all the participants are Swedish speakers.
Welcome to submit your abstract to one or both of the following email addresses:
Anders.persson@lnu.se
Anna.seliverstova@lnu.se
Politics and gender (Accepting abstracts until August 15)
Working group chairs
- Sofie Tornhill, Linnaeus University
- Catia Gregoratti, Lund University
- Diana Morina, Linnaeus University
This workshop is open to all researchers interested in gendered analyses of power, political crises and transformations. We welcome submissions that explore the reconfiguration of intersectional relations of power in times of heightened gender backlashes, militarization, climate emergencies, nationalism, insecurity, institutional dismantling, and the return of traditional family values. We also welcome papers on femocrats and feminist movements – local, regional and transnational – resisting oppressive ideologies and practices and prefiguring socially just political orders.
We welcome theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions from all fields of political science including but not limited to political theory, international relations, international political economy, public administration and comparative politics. The workshop will be held in English, but papers may be written in Swedish or English.
You are welcome to submit your abstract to one or both of the following email addresses:
Political theory (Full)
Working group chairs
- Joel Martinsson, Linnaeus University
- Silva Sini Mertsola, Stockholm University
- Ludvig Beckman, Stockholm University
We welcome submissions in political theory broadly conceived, including normative political theory, the history of political thought, and positive political theory, as in theoretical work on problems in contemporary politics and public policy, as well as discussions of fundamental political concepts, methods and phenomena.
The main working language of the panel will be English if non-Swedish speakers participate, but presentations and discussions in Swedish will be accommodated upon request. The texts can be in Swedish or English.
Welcome to submit your abstract to the following email address:
Aesthetics and politics (Accepting abstracts until August 15)
Working group chairs
- Henrik Enroth, Linnaeus University
- Alexander Hjelm, Södertörn University
In some areas of political science and political theory we have recently seen a growing interest in aesthetic aspects of political life. The study of populism and theories of political representation are examples. Outside the discipline, cultural sociologists have focused on how politics is staged and performed in ways that bring to mind both theater and social rituals. This budding interest notwithstanding, aesthetics and politics remains a relatively neglected connection in and out of political science. The aim of this workshop is to provide a forum for those who take an interest in the many ways in which political and aesthetic phenomena interact, and the many ways in which political phenomena involve an aesthetic dimension. In addition, it is our ambition as organizers to provide an opportunity for networking for those of us who share interests in this area.
The workshop welcomes papers on aesthetics and politics regardless of the disciplinary or subdisciplinary belonging of their authors — in other words, while this workshop is part of a conference in political science, we welcome contributions from any fields in the social sciences and the humanities as long as papers thematize the connection between the aesthetic and the political. We also take a broad view of potential subjects: as long as the nexus of the aesthetic and the political is in focus, papers can be about anything from politics and policy pertaining to the arts to discussions of what aesthetic theory — and/or practice — can do for our understanding of political phenomena.
Welcome to submit your abstract to the following email address:
Policy, governance, and public administration (Full)
Working group chairs
- Helena Ekelund, Linnaeus University
- Dalia Mukhtar-Landgren, Lund University
- Maria Hedlund, Lund University
This workshop invites papers that address different research topics within the broad field of policy, governance, and public administration. Empirical and theoretical papers are welcome as well as normative papers. The workshop is open to studies of public policy, agenda setting, governance processes, relations in the politico-administrative system, multilevel governance, public decision-making in different respects, democratic challenges, implementation and evaluation, different welfare sectors, and issues in relation to public management and administration.
The workshop welcomes studies on all tiers of government (local, regional, national, international) and of urban and rural settings. Different types of studies of major trends in governance and public administration are of course of great interest to this workshop, such as new public management, public ethics, digitalization etc. Papers using different approaches and methods as well as a broad set of theoretical applications and theorizing efforts are most welcome.
Papers can be presented in either Swedish or English.
Welcome to submit your abstract to the following email address:
Religion and politics (Full)
Working group chairs
- Magnus Hagevi, Linnaeus University
- Linnea Jensdotter, Lund University
This workshop focuses on studies exploring the relationships between religion and politics. Scholars from various academic disciplines are encouraged to submit papers to the workshop. The studies should either consider the Swedish context, examine case studies from other countries, or adopt a comparative approach to analyze how religion influence politics, explain religion with political phenomena, or explore the mutual relationship between religion and politics. The workshop also welcomes theoretical and ideational analyses that describe, or enhance the understanding of, these relationships, or that develop theoretical concepts related to religion and politics. The workshop aims to include papers with a diverse range of theories and methods.
Welcome to submit your abstract to the following email address:
Environmental politics (Accepting abstracts until August 15)
Working group chairs
- Åsa Knaggård, Lund University
- Markus Holdo, Lund University
- Yi Hyun Kang, Lund University
This workshop welcomes papers on a broad range of topics that examine aspects of environmental governance from the local to the global level. Submissions may include both theoretical and empirical contributions investigating various aspects of environmental governance, including issues relating to politics, polity and policy.
Papers can be written in English or Swedish, however, the default workshop language will be English unless all the participants are Swedish speakers.
You are welcome to submit your abstract to one or both of the following email addresses:
asa.knaggard@svet.lu.se
markus.holdo@svet.lu.se
International Politics (Full)
Working group chairs
- Douglas Brommesson, Linnaeus University
- Anna-Marie Ekengren, University of Gothenburg
The working group in international politics welcomes submissions in the fields of international politics, widely conceived. We envisage discussions building upon contributions from both junior and senior scholars employing a variety of approaches, including, but not limited to international organizations, foreign policy, diplomacy, peace and conflict studies, and the norms and structures in a changing world order. Contributions can employ both comparative and case-based design, using a variety of methods. We also welcome contributions zooming in on a particular level of analysis, such as national or regional developments in geopolitical context, diplomatic, foreign policy, and security approaches, including elite and/or group theory.
Contributions are welcome in both Swedish and English, although the default working language for the group will be English.
Welcome to submit your abstract to the following email address:
Citizenship and education (Accepting abstracts until August 15)
Working group chairs
- Johanna Jormfeldt, Linnaeus University
- Jonna Arenlind, Linnaeus University
Education is a cornerstone of democratic societies, intrinsically linked to citizenship. It plays a crucial role in fostering civic knowledge, promoting inclusion, and equipping individuals with the skills needed for active and informed participation in society.
This workshop welcomes both empirical and theoretical papers that explore the interplay between citizenship and education. Topics may include, but are not limited to, civics education in schools, the role of education in addressing social inequalities, and education for, in and through democracy.
Contributions can be written in English or Swedish. The workshop will be held in English if non-Swedish speakers attend.
You are welcome to submit your abstract to one or both of the following email addresses:
Registration & Fees
Registration is open.
The deadline for registration is 29 August.
Conference Fee
The conference fee will be 3000 SEK and will include the conference dinner as well as lunches and coffee on all three days of the conference.
Please note that travel and accommodation are not included in the conference fee. Participants are responsible for funding and arranging their own travel.
Travel to Växjö
Check Smaland Airport's website to find a suitable flight connection.
You can reach Växjö via flights to Copenhagen Airport/Kastrup and a connecting direct train to Växjö station (approximately 2.5 hours). Travelling by train will take you to Växjö station situated in the city centre.
For travelling between Växjö Småland Airport and Linnaeus University, or Växjö city centre and Linnaeus University, taxi or bus is recommended.
Bus to campus
Bus no 4 takes you from Växjö Småland Airport to Växjö city centre where you change bus for Linnaeus University.
There are several alternatives for travelling by bus between Växjö city centre and Teleborg, where campus is situated. The best option is bus no 3 that goes directly to the university. Other alternatives are to take bus no 1 or bus no 5 to Teleborg centrum, which is located an 8–10 minute walk from the university.
All bus routes are operated by Länstrafiken Kronoberg, see link for timetables.
Accommodation
If you need of hotel room during your stay in Växjö, we recommend that you contact one of the hotels/hostels below to make a reservation.
Elite Stadshotellet
Kungsgatan 6, Box 198
352 33 Växjö
Book by email: reservation.vaxjo@elite.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 134 00
Website: Elite Stadshotellet
Elite Park Hotel
Västra Esplanaden 10
352 31 Växjö
Book by email: reservation.vaxjo@elite.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 70 22 00
Website: Elite Park Hotel
Clarion Collection Hotel Cardinal
Bäckgatan 10
352 30 Växjö
Book by email: cc.cardinal@choice.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 72 28 00
Website: Clarion Collection Hotel Cardinal
Quality Hotel Royal Corner
Liedbergsgatan 11
352 32 Växjö
Book by email: q.royalcorner@choice.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 70 10 00
Website: Quality Hotel Royal Corner
Teleborgs Slott
Slottsallén
351 96 Växjö
Book by email: info@teleborgsslott.com
or by phone: +46 470 – 34 89 80
Website: Teleborgs Slott
Hotel PM & Vänner
Västergatan 10
352 31 Växjö
Book by email: reservations@pmhotel.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 75 97 00
Website: Hotel PM & Vänner
Hotel Esplanad
Norra Esplanaden 21 A
352 31, Växjö
Book by email info@hotelesplanad.com
or by phone: +46 470 – 70 22 00
Website: Hotel Esplanad
Hotel Värend
Kungsgatan 27
352 33, Växjö
Book by email: info@hotellvarend.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 77 67 00
Website: Hotel Värend
Hotel Scandic
Hejaregatan 19
352 46 Växjö
Book by email: vaxjo@scandichotels.com
or by phone: +46 470 - 73 60 00
Website: Hotel Scandic
Öjaby Herrgård
Öjabyvägen 113
352 50 Växjö
Book by email: info@ojabyherrgard.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 70 16 20
Website: Öjaby Herrgård
Are you looking for more affordable accommodations we suggest following hotels below:
Toftastrand Hotel & Konditori
Lenhovdavägen 72
352 71 Växjö
Book by email: hotell@villavik.seor by phone: +46 470 – 652 90
Website: Toftastrand Hotel & Konditori
Växjö Vandrarhem Evedal
L J Brandts väg 1
352 63 Växjö
Book by email: info@vaxjovandrarhem.se
or by phone: +46 470 – 630 70
Website: Växjö Vandrarhem Evedal
Skäraton
Väluddevägen 1
352 51 Växjö
Book by email: skaraton@skaraton.com or mattias@skaraton.com
or by phone: +46 70 378 00 95
Website: Skäraton
Bed and Breakfast Södra Lycke
Hagagatan 10
352 35 Växjö
You can book by a registration form via the website
or by phone: +46 70 676 65 06
Website: Bed and Breakfast Södra Lycke
About Linnaeus University
Linnaeus University is a creative and international knowledge environment that promotes curiosity, creativity, companionship and utility. More than 44,000 students are registered at Linnaeus University.
Linnaeus University is located in Växjö and Kalmar and offers 150 degree programmes and 1,300 single-subject courses. Linnaeus University was e
stablished in 2010 through a merger between Växjö University and Kalmar University College.
With some 2,100 employees and 44,000 students it is a modern university with Småland as its base and the world as its arena. Studying and working at Linnaeus University involves being part of an environment that is characterised by knowledge and development. Students acquire new knowledge and learn to have a critical approach. Researchers make new discoveries that can bring change to our society. Employees share stories of a workplace with both challenges and opportunities. Linnaeus University is a university where people can reach their full potential.
A Sustainable Event
This conference is a sustainability-assured meeting in accordance with Linnaeus University’s guidelines for sustainable events. These guidelines are linked to the 17 global goals in Agenda 2030 and comprise the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, the social, and the environmental. Learn more about Linnaeus University’s sustainable events here.