2026 IAPSS World Congress

Theme: 

Academic freedom is not an infallible phenomenon immune to crisis. Yet, it is an indispensable pillar of democracy. When we as societies lose academic freedom, the consequences are grave. Threats to academic freedom are both individual and collective threats to democracy. They are both social and intellectual threats to progress. To understand this connection, it is essential to know the meaning of these two words. Cambridge describes “academia” as,

“The part of society, especially universities, that is connected with studying and thinking, or the activity or job of studying”, and freedom as “the condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc. whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited.”

However, while academy and education are important tools of spreading wisdom and peace they can also become tools of oppression. In the past, principled articles such as the “Lernfreiheit” from Germany, and the “Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom” by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) were taken to establish academic freedom on a structured basis, and to ensure its practice. While these structures may be in place across the globe, we are bearing witness to the disruption of academic freedom in more and more regions, often through intellectual censorship.

Understanding both the fragility of academic freedom and its underlying importance and value, promoting academic freedom is promoting a healthy democracy and a democratic world. The United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes [the] freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” By ensuring that academics express their research and findings free from oppression, a freer world in every aspect can be achieved.

This year’s IAPSS World Congress will focus on such a timely theme as academic freedom and its many intersections in political science, law, and sociology. The theme may connect to many larger topics such as its interconnected relationship with human rights, its physical contributions to healthy democracies, and how academic freedom can be promoted.

With input from advocates around the globe, IAPSS seeks to promote cross-sectoral discourse in order to tackle today’s urgent issues and create a robust framework for the future. With this conference theme, IAPSS hopes to encourage students and junior scholars of political science and related disciplines to participate in this exciting academic discussion. If you have never presented a paper before, this is your best chance to start! IAPSS is an International Association of Political Science students and our mission is to provide them with opportunities to grow.

Subthemes

1. Academic Freedom, Security, and Conflict

• Academic Freedom and Conflict Zones
• Authoritarianism and Academic Freedom
• Academic Freedom and the Press

2. Academic Freedom Around the World

• Global Advocacy/Academic Freedom Networks and Organizations
• Academic Freedom in the Global South
• Academic Freedom in the Global North

3. The Rule of Law and Human Rights

• Judicial Independence and Human Rights Protection
• Academic Freedom, Rule of Law, and Civil Liberties
• Academic Freedom and Marginalized Communities

4. Academic Freedom, Identity, and Gender

• Gender, LGBTIQI+ Identities, and Academic Freedom
• Youth-led Academic Freedom Advocacy Movements
• Intersectional Advocacy

5. Economic Justice and International Markets

• Academic Freedom and Economic Inequality
• Trade and Human Rights
• Globalisation and Local Economies

6. Academic Freedom, Society, and Governance

• Academic Freedom and Structural Inequality
• Governance and Public Participation
• Accountability and Corruption

7. Advocacy and Communication in Politics

• Political Messaging and Freedom of Speech
• Academic Freedom in the Media
• Digital Activism

8. Environmental Advocacy, Sustainability, and Energy

• Climate and Academia
• Energy Justice
• Environmental Movements

9. Academic Freedom, Digital Rights, and Technology

• Digital Privacy and Security
• Tech for Social Good
• Academic Freedom and Rights in Academia

10. Advocacy, Philosophy, and Political Theory

• Ethics of Academic Freedom
• Political Theories of Justice
• Radical  and Reformist Advocacy

11. Other

If you believe your topic is connected to the theme of the conference but none of the subthemes, please select this category.