What is the purpose of the IR Scholarship today? All IR scholars are acutely aware of the global chain of crises, including wars in Europe and the Middle East, accelerating climate change and natural disasters, entrenched global inequality, and various other political, economic, environmental, and social challenges. In response, IR scholars often frame their sense of vocation concerning these crises. This European and International Studies Association online roundtable aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing IR theorists in engaging with different global publics and to foster discussion about the role of IR scholars in promoting a more constructive global future. It explores the history and sociology of ‘public IR,’ the translation issues that may arise when academic knowledge encounters the public realm, and how we might reconceptualize the purpose of IR scholarship in moving beyond the confines of ivory towers and protest marches. It asks how we can progress debates about the IR scholarly vocation, which are nearly as old as the discipline, and thereby orient our role as scholars in a world order that is increasingly fractured and approaching breakdown?
Speakers
- Nicholas Michelsen,
Reader in International Politics, Associate Dean, King’s College London
- Joana Ricarte,
Researcher and Invited Assistant Professor University of Coimbra, EISA Governing Board Member
- Vassilios Paipais,
Senior Lecturer, University of St. Andrews
- Eva Herschinger,
Head of Research Program on Security and Intelligence, Center for Intelligence and Security Studies (CISS), University of the Bundeswehr Munich
Chair
- Matti Spara,
PhD Researcher in International Relations, King’s College London
