Politics of states and regions

Our research in this area explores national politics and contemporary history in the UK and other countries. It focuses on transnational connections and networks, regional cooperation and integration, social groups and organisations like the European Union.

By improving cooperation with public bodies, like museums, we're also working to help citizens learn about and engage actively with their past and memories of the past – and in doing so, actively shaping their futures.

Through our work, we're aiming to foster citizen engagement in politics, improve the institutional effectiveness and responsiveness of public institutions, and improve the educational experience of students.

Our research in politics is interdisciplinary, and our researchers have a background in comparative politics, European and other Area Studies, public policy, contemporary history and international relations. Our work is regularly published in international peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Common Market Studies, and the Journal of European Public Policy.

Our researchers also publish monographs with leading academic publishers, such as Cambridge University Press, Palgrave Macmillan and Routledge.

Methods

We use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, including statistical analysis, social network analysis, document analysis, media discourse analysis, questionnaires, and interviews.

Collaborations and funders

We enjoy collaborative relationships with universities in Europe and beyond, and with political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and major institutions, such as the European Parliament, Brussels, and the Centre for Global Cooperation Research in Duisburg, Germany. We also work closely with public bodies like museums – such as the House of European History museum in Brussels.

Recent projects have been funded by leading funding organisations in the UK and other European countries – including the British Academy, European Union, Norwegian Research Council, German Research Council, and the Dutch Foundation for the History of Technology.

Discover our areas of expertise

Politics of states and regions is one of our 4 areas of expertise in our Politics and International Relations research area – explore the others below.

Research groups

Interested in a PhD in Politics & International Development?

Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Politics and International Development postgraduate research degrees page.