Statement About ISA 2017

After a long and very careful process of deliberation, we have decided not to attend this year’s Annual Meeting of the International Studies Association (ISA) in Baltimore (Feb 22-25). This has been a tough decision since we do see the great value of the international exchange, taking place at academic conferences like the ISA meetings. Given the current political climate in the United States and, relatedly, the large group of people who have been unjustifiably targeted by Executive Orders recently, we deem it impossible to undertake the planned research activities together with colleagues from around the world. In solidarity with these colleagues and the deeply concerning absence of respect for race, gender or independence of the judiciary, and academic freedom, all fundamental norms that are at the centre of the democratic world, we feel it would be unethical to attend: unfortunately, the current circumstances necessitate a break with normal academic practice. However, we do wish to point out that this should not be understood as a decision against those of our colleagues who have come to a different conclusion. Together we stand against restrictions of academic freedom and for the rule of law and democracy as essential for normal academic practice.

Team at the Chair of Political Science, especially Global Governance, University of Hamburg