Welcome to the Southern Political Science Association!

Welcome to the official website of the Southern Political Science Association (SPSA)!

 

Established in 1929, the SPSA is a thriving community of educators and scholars dedicated to the study and practice of government, politics, law, and public policy. We are committed to supporting the professional development of our members as researchers and teachers. Our members contribute to developing an informed and engaged civic community for all individuals. Beyond imparting specialized knowledge in numerous fields across the discipline, our work fosters intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and a lifelong love for learning.

 

The SPSA is home to one of the flagship journals in political science – The Journal of Politics (JOP). The JOP publishes high-quality research across various fields, including American and comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public law. Drs. Timothy Hellwig (SUNY Buffalo) and Timothy P. Nokken (Texas Tech University) lead the current editorial team.

 

We hold our annual meeting each January. Our 2026 meeting took place in New Orleans, LA, and provided a rigorous and vibrant professional experience for over 1400 participants. Each year, attendees enjoy a variety of conference formats, ranging from traditional subfield-focused panels to forums oriented toward issues facing professionals, including early career faculty and graduate students. We also host conferences-within-a-conference, a hallmark of the annual meeting that feature multi-panel sessions organized around specific themes and research areas. The SPSA offers daily events designed to promote networking and social interactions. In addition to the January meeting, we also host a Virtual Summer Meeting. In both contexts, the SPSA is committed to providing inclusive programming in an environment that promotes mutual respect.

 

In 2027, we are excited to return to St. Petersburg, FL, at the Tradewinds Resort Hotel. Led by Dr. Martha Kropf (University of North Carolina at Charlotte), the Program Committee is exploring several innovative ideas and welcomes your suggestions and proposals.

 

Finally, we are extremely fortunate to having an outstanding professional staff who are integral to the functioning of the Association. They work closely with an Executive Council, comprised of individuals elected by the membership, to guide and govern the Association throughout the year.

 

On behalf of the Executive Council, the staff, and the members of the SPSA, let me extend a personal invitation to join us in St. Pete’s Beach, where you will undoubtedly enjoy Southern’s Hospitality. In the meantime, please feel free to contact any of us if you have a question, suggestion, or concern: info@spsa.net.

 

Kirk A. Randazzo, SPSA President – University of South Carolina