The Disrupted World: Politics and Economics in Transition
September 10, 2025
Location Not Available
As the global political and economic landscape experiences profound and continuous disruptions, understanding the underlying dynamics of these transitions has become critical for scholars in International and Comparative Political Economy. This pre-conference workshop, tentatively titled The Disrupted World: Politics and Economics in Transition, will bring together emerging voices to explore the mechanisms, effects, and responses to global economic and political shifts. The workshop aims to foster an intellectually stimulating environment for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Workshop Structure:
The workshop will feature approximately 12 presentations organized into four thematic blocs, each addressing a key topic in political economy. These blocs will include three 15-minute presentations followed by discussant comments and an interactive audience Q&A. This format is designed to encourage rigorous yet collaborative engagement, providing presenters with constructive feedback to advance their research.
The workshop is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including economics, political science, international law, and sociology. We have accepted rigorous research at various stages of development and employing diverse methodological approaches—quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.
Thematic Focus Areas:
The workshop will address a broad range of International and Comparative Political Economy topics. As we have already selected the papers, we have tentatively opted for the following four clusters:
- Distributional Consequences of Globalization and Democratic Politics: How can democratic governments balance the economic benefits of globalization with the political demand for greater social equity?
- Trade and Global Value Chains: How are global supply chains adapting to increased economic nationalism, trade disputes, and technological innovation?
- Foreign Investment and Economic Statecraft: What are the political determinants and consequences of shifting foreign investment flows and the rise of industrial policy?
- Finance and Monetary Dynamics and the Housing crisis: How are global finance and monetary systems adapting to crises, such as inflationary pressures and regional financial instability? How do the distributional consequences of globalization contribute to the housing crisis?
In line with the broader APSA 2025 theme, Reimagining Politics, Power, and Peoplehood in Crisis Times, we have encouraged submissions that examine the politics of crises. This includes exploring how governments, firms, and societies respond to challenges like economic recessions, geopolitical tensions, climate change, housing crisis and public health emergencies.
Objectives:
1) Engagement with Critical Issues: Provide a platform for research addressing pivotal political and economic transformations.
2) Mentorship and Feedback: Connect starting and advanced PhD students and post-doctoral fellows to foster collaboration and supportive networks.
3) Inclusive Networking Opportunities: Promote dialogue and exchange among scholars from diverse backgrounds and methodological traditions.
Expected Outcomes:
This pre-conference workshop will enrich the APSA 2025 conference by generating new insights into contemporary political economy challenges, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and advancing the work of emerging scholars. By situating the discussions in the context of ongoing global crises, the workshop will offer a forward-looking perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the world. Together, we will reimagine the role of International and Comparative Political Economy in understanding and navigating the disrupted world.