Political polarization in the United States and internationally presents challenges to democracy and the stability and effectiveness of democratic institutions. Congress is nearly paralyzed, long-term budgeting is a thing of the past, civil rights and liberties vary greatly depending on what state a citizen resides in, and many citizens and politicians see each other as enemies simply due to their differing party affiliations or political ideologies.
In light of the development of political polarization in the United States and around the world, particularly in the last two decades, several questions for the field of public policy emerge such as:
- How has polarization affected the development, enactment, and implementation of policies? How has polarization affected the policy-making process and what are the long-term implications for governance?
- How does polarization impact NGOs tasked with implementing many government-funded programs and working directly in communities? How are these organizations adapting their strategies, governance and operations in a deeply divided society? What role do nonprofits play in either mitigating or exacerbating polarization?
- Has polarization decreased the effectiveness of governmental institutions, agency leaders and elected officials? How are leaders in the public sector managing the increasing partisan divide? What are the implications for the effectiveness and accountability of government management?
The University of Maryland School of Public Policy will host a conference focusing on the causes and consequences of polarization in policymaking. The conference is open to all geographic, methodological and theoretical perspectives. Diversity of approaches and interdisciplinarity of a wide-ranging collection of researchers is welcome.
Call for Proposals
Deadline for proposals: December 13, 2024
Proposals should include title, abstract, authors, and contact information for the submitting author. Abstracts should not be longer than two pages. Accepted participants will be notified by January 17, 2025. Participants may be asked to serve as discussants. Presenters coming from out of the DC area
will receive travel reimbursements to cover up to $1,000 in travel costs for one author per paper. Meals will be provided. Proposals should be submitted to Saul I. Stern Professor of Civic Engagement Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz.
Location & Schedule
The conference will take place at the School of Public Policy in Thurgood Marshall Hall on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. The conference will begin with a keynote address on the evening of March 27 and the conference panel sessions will begin the morning of Friday, March 28. Registration, hotel and travel information will be available as the conference approaches.