CFP: 2026 Columbia University Graduate Conference in Political Theory

At our 2026 Graduate Conference in Political Theory, we will discuss crises faced by contemporary democracies, and ways these crises may be addressed. The conference will feature graduate student papers with Columbia and Barnard faculty discussants.

In addition to papers on backsliding, resistance, and reform, we welcome papers that discuss any of the following topics in relation to current democratic crises and debates: constitutionalism, capitalism, climate and environment, colonialism, deliberation, feminism, speech and the First Amendment, (in)justice, organizing, states of emergency, and historical perspectives on democracy.

To submit a paper, please complete the form linked below, and attach your manuscript of no more than 10,000 words. The deadline is 11:59pm on December 20, 2025. Note that papers should have no identifying information to facilitate a blind review. We will notify accepted panelists by January 20, 2026. A limited number of travel stipends will be offered, and accommodations with Columbia graduate student hosts will be provided.

Submission form: https://forms.gle/RJPrj6n3Mw5Xh4taA