17-19 June 2026, Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen
Joint conference of the German Political Science Association (DVPW), the Austrian Political Science Association (ÖGPW) and the Swiss Political Science Association (SVPW/ASSP)
Political, economic and social challenges are currently intensifying in Europe: polarisation, populism, debates on migration, democratic setbacks and economic inequalities are weighing on the European project from within. At the same time, external factors – such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, geopolitical power shifts and global crises (e.g. climate change, energy security, digitalisation) – are increasing the pressure on European states and the European Union. Against this backdrop, the question arises as to whether and how Europe can and should play an important and independent role in shaping the future international order and in the (global) development of democratic politics in practice and in theory. In both respects, Europe currently seems to be called upon to fundamentally redefine its political self-image.
This complex situation is the central question of the 2026 Dreiländertagung: What does the future hold for Europe – and how can political science research help to identify orientations, lines of conflict and possible solutions?
The focus will be on both the internal constitution of Europe – institutions, democratic processes, social cohesion – and the foreign policy challenges of a changing international order. The conference invites participants to exchange ideas on possible scenarios, models and strategies for the political future of Europe at all levels. All subfields of political science – from international politics and political theory to comparative politics, policy analysis, political science didactics and methods – are invited to contribute to the diversity of perspectives at the conference.
Contributions that do not directly but broadly contribute to the overall theme are also welcome.
Submission guidelines:
The Dreiländertagung offers a forum for exchange on current research from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond. Abstracts can be submitted in English or German. They should clearly state the research question and outline theoretical and methodological approaches.
We welcome proposals for individual contributions as well as panel proposals (title, abstract of max. 300 words, 4-5 contributions, chair and discussant). Panels with a balanced participation of different genders and career stages are particularly welcome.
Proposals for individual contributions should include:
Submission deadline: 14 November 2025
If you have any questions, please contact the programme committee at: tagungdvpwde
Abstracts should be submitted electronically via the meineDVPW portal:
If you do not yet have a personal account on meineDVPW, you can register easily and free of charge. If you are a DVPW member, please use the email address stored in the system if possible.
