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POLIS

@oupolitics.bsky.social
373 followers 274 following 66 posts

Department of Politics and International Studies at The Open University

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Jamie Gaskarth @jamiegaskarth.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
10 questions we should be asking of the Defence Investment Plan @chathamhouse.org (based on research with Maeve Ryan and @anglo-japan45.bsky.social of @csns-uk.bsky.social, @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social), @oupolitics.bsky.social, @openuniversity.bsky.social: www.chathamhouse.org/2026/06/will...
chathamhouse.org
Will the UK’s Defence Investment Plan finally be honest about Britain’s defence?
Here are the key questions that should be asked when assessing the much-delayed plan.
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Donna Smith @drdonnasmith.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Back from the fantastic @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social Teaching and Learning Network Conference #TLN where I gave the keynote speech on 'Teaching amid chaos: What online distance learning teaches us about resilient pedagogy'. Thanks to all the organisers!
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I contributed to this piece, on what it says about Burnham's EU policy (as much as it exists) theconversation.com/should-andy-... @oupolitics.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social
theconversation.com
Should Andy Burnham be ‘relentless’ on small boat crossings? Experts react
Pressure is mounting on Andy Burnham to address small boat crossings into the UK.
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Since we're almost one month into the Burnham govt, I thought I'd gather up all their public statements and actions on EU policy, in one simple graphic. You're welcome PDF with clicky links: bit.ly/UshGraphic148 @ukandeu.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Dr Anna Colom, graduate of our PhD programme, appears on @politechs.bsky.social podcast discussing democracy, technology and AI - listen here politechs.dev/episodes/s02...
politechs.dev
Politechs Episode 6 - Democracy - Anna Colom
Josh and Ray talk democracy with Dr. Anna Colom.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
A fantastic blog from @openuniversity.bsky.social Politics student Cameron: "Does UK Democracy Have a Future? Gen Z Views of Democracy" open.substack.com/pub/cameronc...
open.substack.com
Does UK Democracy Have a Future? Gen Z Views of Democracy
Does UK Democracy Have a Future?
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Some quick comment on the King's Speech, including a bit from me on the European Partnership Bill theconversation.com/state-openin... @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
theconversation.com
State opening of parliament 2026: experts on plans for cost of living, EU ties, tourist tax and more
The government has laid out its plans for the next parliamentary session.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Our colleague Dan Taylor writes in today's New Statesman on the local elections and the structural challenges facing local government - read below.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
"Radicals" by our colleague Geoff Andrews receives a great review in this week's @newstatesman1913.bsky.social : 'erudite, acute and powerful' - David Edgar puts it into context below www.newstatesman.com/culture/book...
newstatesman.com
The real work of the working class
The history of the labour movement is less about class struggle than the fight for universal values
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
We held a Student Blog competition and received some amazing entries. Judging was fierce but we can now announce a winner and several excellent runners up. Read our students' work here: fass.open.ac.uk/polis/outrea... And our winner, "Democracy and me" by Mark Jones: fass.open.ac.uk/polis/outrea...
fass.open.ac.uk
The Open University
Discover how you can use the Changemakers guide to help make a difference with this blog post by OU Politics student Lilybell Evergreen, who was on the panel for the Changemakers guide launch event du...
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Donna Smith @drdonnasmith.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
It was a pleasure as @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social Honorary Secretary to present these prizes, including to my @ou-gcsj.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social colleagues @simonusherwood.bsky.social and @filippoboni.bsky.social, plus Emma Connolly.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Coming up, our friends @policywise.bsky.social are organising their next Comparative Policy Forum, Weds 6 May 1pm: @jitkavseteckova.bsky.social presents ‘Take Five to Age Well - Urgent Action Needed - Transforming the health of an ageing population’. Sign up: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
forms.office.com
Microsoft Forms
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
*PSA Prize Winners* 🎉Congratulations to Politics & International Studies (POLIS) Open University @oupolitics.bsky.social this year’s academic prize winners of Jacqui Briggs Prize for outstanding teaching & learning by a team/group. POLIS is a team of 18 led by Prof. William Brown. ➡️ buff.ly/dvOF0Sa
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Dan Taylor's published two policy papers this week. 1/ via @policywise.bsky.social, a Wise in 5 on unpaid carers and govt support: www.policywise.org.uk/wise-in-5 2/ via @growthandreform.bsky.social, examining 10 years' of inclusive growth in Barking and Dagenham growthandreform.org/resource-hub...
growthandreform.org
No One Left Behind, Ten Years On
Report by Dr Dan Taylor from the Open University on inclusive growth in Barking and Dagenham.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Congratulations to our Dr Claire Malcolm for organising Caring for Carers Cymru - a fantastic day bringing together unpaid carers, support services, academics and even a genuinely fun drum circle. More in the pipeline.
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Journal of International Relations and Development @jird-jour.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
How can subnational partnerships remain adaptable amid shifting geopolitical contexts? In their article, Weiwei Chen, @filippoboni.bsky.social, and Yameng Zhang highlight the transformative potential of city diplomacy in addressing global development challenges. 📄 👉 rdcu.be/e3Lii
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
In case you missed it, our Dan Taylor was on BBC Radio 4's Free Thinking programme last month, discussing humility and Spinoza with @drmatthewsweet.bsky.social, Robert Buckland and guests. Listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
bbc.co.uk
BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Humility
From Spinoza's thinking to the "humble brag" - Matthew Sweet and guests explore humility.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Our Geoff Andrews has just published "Radicals: The Working Classes and the Making of Modern Britain" with Yale University Press. Read a review below. He's currently undertaking an impressive series of talks and appearances, including this Friday at MK Waterstones for @mklitfest.bsky.social.
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Donna Smith @drdonnasmith.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Was great to attend my first @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social conference as Honorary Secretary! Any questions about PSA policy, governance & membership, contact me. Thanks to the PSA staff & other trustees, + the conference committee & venue staff, for all their hard work. On to Hull in 2027!
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
*PSA Newsletter* 📢 #PSA26 Conference issue ➡️ PSA Members check your inbox for the latest newsletter, including everything you need to know about next week's PSA26 Annual Conference.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Pragmatism and Principle: what is the role of morality in foreign policy? Our @jamiegaskarth.bsky.social was on BBC Moral Maze this week setting out a way forward. Listen below www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
bbc.co.uk
BBC Radio 4 - Moral Maze, Pragmatism and Principle: what is the role of morality in foreign policy?
Live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories.
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
🌟Seeking new PSA Trustees🌟 📆 ONE WEEK until deadline 16 March 2026 ✔️ Are you looking to build your profile, skills, and experience? ✔️ Are you interested in becoming a charity trustee? ✔️ Do you want to enhance the study of Politics & International Relations in the UK? ➡️ buff.ly/9nFlihR
buff.ly
PSA Seeks New Trustees for Election to its Executive Committee - Political Studies Association
Are you looking for an opportunity to build your profile, skills, and experience? Are you interested in becoming a charity trustee? Do you want to play a role
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
*PSA AGM* 12.30 - 13.30, Monday 30 March at #PSA26, Oxford PSA members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting to learn more about your association, meet the trustees, ask questions and share ideas about the PSA. Attending members will be welcome to a complimentary lunch.
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2026 PSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) - Monday 30 March 2026 - Political Studies Association
The 2026 PSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held on Monday 30 March 2026, during the PSA26 Conference, in the Oxford Examination Schools from 12.30 to 1.30pm. If you are a PSA Academic…
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oupips.bsky.social @oupips.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Tickets now available, reserve your spot: tinyurl.com/PIPSEvents The official lineup for OU PIPS Week (March 16-20) is live. 🌍 We are bringing frontline defense, aid, and diplomacy experts directly to distance learners. Pick your panels and secure your tickets below. 🧵👇
A promotional flyer for the politics, international relations, and policy society. The flyer provides details for an event during the week of March 16th to March 20th. At the top of the flyer, a circular logo appears. In the outer blue ring of the logo, white text reads: POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, AND POLICY SOCIETY. In the central circle of the logo, a house with an "O" and a "U" is visible, with tiny text reading: Est 2025.
The flyer includes a dark blue section with white text with a large-font bold heading: Reserve your spot. Just below this, in larger font, appears the word on and, in orange, the logo for Eventbrite. Below this is the text: tinyurl.com/PIPSevents.
Just to the right of this section is a listing for a speaker. Below it, in white, is text that reads: 1/5.
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Great opportunity to hear my @oupolitics.bsky.social colleague Tom discuss his research on people-centred security @mybisa.bsky.social @ukandeu.bsky.social
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Talking #Iran with BBC Surrey shortly @oupolitics.bsky.social
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
The 'Changemakers Academy', a new initiative from @drdonnasmith.bsky.social at @openuniversity.bsky.social Read more below ⬇️
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
#PSA26 Annual Conference is fast approaching! You will find useful information on the PSA26 website about 🏠️ Accommodation 📆 Programme 📢 Keynote speakers 🍴 Food and refreshments 🚨 Registration deadline 12 March
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PSA26 Annual Conference - Political Studies Association
Join us in Oxford to discuss ‘Political Studies Futures’ “The best gathering for politics scholars in the UK and beyond” – PSA25 delegate Open to both members and non-members, the PSA annual…
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oupips.bsky.social @oupips.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
We invite you to reserve your calendar for our PIPS Week! Save the date, 16-22 March. Further schedules will be posted soon. Available to you at home a host of online speakers will be introduced to bridge theory with practice. Keep an eye out - drop us a DM to get added to our WhatsApp group.
A promotional flyer for "PIPS Week: Global Perspectives in Motion," hosted by the Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (OUPIPS).

The top section features the society’s circular logo (a ballot box icon with "OU" inside) and their website, oupips.org.uk. The main body of the flyer announces their first public event, described as a series of critical dialogues with policy experts and global political speakers.

Key Event Details:

Dates: 16–22 March.

Themes mentioned: Global Security & Conflict, Humanitarian Frontiers & Development, and Social Events (The Gaggle & Quiz).

Call to Action: "Hold the Date" and "Keep an eye on our socials."

Social Media Handles: @OUPIPS on X, @oupips.bsky.social on BlueSky, @oupip_society on Instagram, and "OU Politics, International Relations and Policy Society" on Facebook. A WhatsApp logo indicates users can DM to join their group.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Still time to sign up for these @ukparliament.parliament.uk webinars. The first one is tomorrow 6pm! @openuniversity.bsky.social @oupips.bsky.social ky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social assoc.bsky.social
nt.parliament.uk
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Our @jamiegaskarth.bsky.social is in @theconversation.com on Keir Starmer's difficult diplomacy with Trump during the Greenland crisis.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
This Friday - our Eddie Wastnidge launches a new co-edited book on the ever evolving geopolitics of the Middle East. All welcome - details below.
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
🌟NEW PSA Website🌟 We start the new year with the launch of our new website! This first phase of development coincides with other digital initiatives including a new 'My Membership' area and new membership database. Ongoing developments will continue this year. 🎉Enjoy the new site buff.ly/67rovjj
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
🚨Tomorrow🚨TLN Webinar: ‘Using Objects to Enhance Learning in Political Science Education’ with William L Allen @unisouthampton.bsky.social 📆 13 Jan, 12.30pm, Online ➡️ Discover how object-based learning can help convey, capture, and express complex ideas. FREE and open to all
buff.ly
TLN Webinar: Using Objects to Enhance Learning in Political Science Education - Political Studies Association
Most higher education teaching activities rely on texts. By contrast, I argue object-based learning—or using physical materials to convey, capture, and
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Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
*PSA Resource* Read and share our NEW 'Guide to Studying #Politics & #InternationalRelations at University' ➡️ Studying #PIR helps develop sought-after critical thinking, analytical and communication skills. ➡️ Discover what a Politics degree can offer, and where it can take you. buff.ly/T1BCZ8a
buff.ly
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Filippo Boni @filippoboni.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
New #OpenAccess publication! How are China’s narratives received across national and subnational actors and audiences? Drawing on 6,133 articles in Chinese, Urdu & English, our new study answers looking at the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Check it out 👇 doi.org/10.1080/1538...
doi.org
Symbolic power and the reception of Chinese narratives on the China–Pakistan economic corridor: adaptation and contestation
The emphasis on “discourse power” and “telling the China story” has been central to China’s international engagement over the past decade. While existing scholarship has critically examined the pro...
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Still time to sign up to both webinars - open to students and the general public👇
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
One EU-UK Reset negotiation tracker, updated for today's Erasmus statement Still quite a lot to be done on the agenda from the May summit PDF with clicky links: bit.ly/UshGraphic141 @ukandeu.bsky.social @oupolitics.bsky.social
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Precious Chatterje-Doody @preciouschatd.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Short blog from me and @maudinet.bsky.social about last week’s launch of the new RT India channel and what to expect from it, written for @uk.theconversation.com @oupolitics.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social theconversation.com/rt-india-how...
theconversation.com
RT India: how the Kremlin is spreading its ‘west v the rest’ narrative to a global audience
RT has targeted non-western audiences for years.
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Precious Chatterje-Doody @preciouschatd.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Funded collaborative PhD opportunity on contested memory with me in @oupolitics.bsky.social and Arthur Dudney at Arcadia: granduniondtp.web.ox.ac.uk/contested-hi... Deadline 7th Jan, please share!
granduniondtp.web.ox.ac.uk
Contested histories: cultural memory, narratives and archives
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Callum Anderson MP @callumandersonmp.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
A great opportunity from @oupolitics.bsky.social this UK Parliament Week!
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Want to learn more about how UK Parliament works? Sign up to 2 events, available to students & public. Webinar 1: Intro to Your UK Parliament 27 Jan 6pm events.teams.microsoft.com/event/54f0ff... @oupips.bsky.social @ukparliament.parliament.uk #UKPW
events.teams.microsoft.com
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
UK Parliament Week #UKPW is back to spread the word about what #Parliament is. Get started with the free Open Learn course - Introduction to making political & social change. Check out the video: youtu.be/pq9bDCrjFFw @ukparliament.parliament.uk @oupips.bsky.social
youtu.be
Introduction to making political and social change (Free Course Trailer)
YouTube video by OpenLearn from The Open University
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Are you an @openuniversity.bsky.social student interested in speaking to other students about politics? If so, join @oupips.bsky.social – a great way to mark UK Parliament Week! #UKPW Find out more here: oupips.org.uk @ukparliament.parliament.uk
oupips.org.uk
OU PIPS
OU Politics, International Relations and Policy Society
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Donna Smith @drdonnasmith.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Sign up to this great free course about making political change #UKPW
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oupips.bsky.social @oupips.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
It's time for a real change and you can learn how with a warm welcome from @oupolitics.bsky.social into Parliament Week #UKPW
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
UK Parliament Week starts today, raising awareness of @ukparliament.parliament.uk & how to get involved! @oupolitics.bsky.social academics are working with #UKPW again to educate more people on how they can make political change: www.open.edu/openlearn/so... oupips.bsky.social
open.edu
Introduction to making political and social change
Written in a moment of multiple crises – environmental, economic, political, social and health-related – ‘An Introduction to making political and social change’ gives you a grounding in some of the...
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Me, for @ukandeu.bsky.social, on why we might be going back to talking about money in the UK-EU relationship @oupolitics.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social
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Jack Flaherty @meanderinghist.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
I'm incredibly pleased and delighted to have been elected as President of the new @oupips.bsky.social society for @oustudents.bsky.social. We have a strong leadership team and I'm looking forward to all the events and community building we will be doing over the next year. @oupolitics.bsky.social
The Open University Politics, International Relations, and Policy Society (OUPIPS) is pleased to confirm the successful conclusion of our Annual General Meeting.

The Society's Constitution has been approved, and the new committee has been officially appointed to lead the society's activities.

New Committee Positions Appointed:

Jack Flaherty - President

Ryan Donachie - Vice President, Events and Media

Natalie Lanagan - Vice President, Memberships and Finance

Kelly Coker - Secretary

James Daly - Treasurer

Charlotte Osmond and Tomasz Pierzchala - Media and Communications Officers

Maria Krasteva - Newsletter Editor

Claire Headridge and Pamela Fuller - Events Officers

Jeanette Price - Policy Officers

Andrew Wilson, Bev Smith, Claire McGill-Sharpe, Nick James and Paul Kim - Ordinary Members

In the coming weeks, the committee will begin its work on organizing a program of events. Please look out for further updates and announcements across our social media channels.

Membership: As a member of The Open University, you are warmly welcomed to join and actively participate in the life of the Society.

Stay Connected:

Visit our website: [https://oupips.org.uk](https://oupips.org.uk/)

Sign up for our newsletter and view upcoming news and events on the website.
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POLIS @oupolitics.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
New publication! International relations in a Multipolar Middle East - a highly topical new collection of insightful papers edited by @edwardwastnidge.bsky.social and @drfrancescobelc.bsky.social Out now: manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526180285/
manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk
Manchester University Press - International Relations in a multipolar Middle East
International Relations in a multipolar Middle East - Browse and buy the Hardcover edition of International Relations in a multipolar Middle East by Francesco Belcastro
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