Research in Political Science
Research in Political Science at Karlstad University addresses questions of power, governance, democracy, and societal change. Our research spans areas such as public administration, international relations, political theory, policy processes, and digital politics, with a strong focus on contemporary societal challenges and transformations.
Research Areas
Research in Political Science at Karlstad University is organised around several core areas, including governance of the public sector, critical policy studies with a focus on issues such as gender equality and environmental policy, and European studies. At the same time, research is expanding into areas such as international relations with a focus on the Middle East, electoral studies, and digitalisation and democracy. More broadly, there is also a strong interest in classical political science questions, particularly within democratic theory and political theory.
Research Projects
Research is carried out through a range of ongoing projects that reflect the breadth of our expertise. These projects address contemporary societal challenges and are often conducted in collaboration with national and international partners, connecting theoretical insights with real-world contexts.
Explore our ongoing research projects
Activities
Political Science at Karlstad University hosts a range of research-related activities that support knowledge exchange and scholarly development. These include seminar series, methodology retreats, research networks, and other initiatives that bring together researchers and doctoral students across institutions and disciplines.