ASPA and EGPA call for papers | New Orleans, April 12-13, 2027 | Deadline: November 30, 2026
As democratic institutions face mounting pressure worldwide, public administrators are increasingly asked to spell out the role of their field in protecting and improving democratic systems. The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) are responding with the 2027 Transatlantic Dialogue (TAD), held alongside ASPA’s Annual Conference.
The theme is "The Role of Public Policy and Administration in Shaping Democracy and Promoting the Resilience of Democratic Norms and Institutions".
What the organizers are looking for
Papers may revisit classic arguments, offer new understandings, identify relevant administrative practices or pose critical questions, at any level of government and in multigovernmental systems. Suggested themes include:
measuring and comparing democratic status and backsliding;
comparing democratic norms and institutions across countries and levels of government;
frameworks for the objectives of democratic systems, such as accountability, participation, legitimacy and the rule of law;
politicization, professionalism and loyalty, including relations between elected officials, senior civil servants and political advisers;
the effects of administrative practices and policies on democratic objectives.
Other angles on public administration, public policy and democracy are also welcome.
How to take part
Proposals are due by November 30, 2026 on ASPA’s submission platform (login required). For help, contact Caitlyn Shrewsbury (cshrewsbury@aspanet.org).
To register, select TAD on ASPA’s conference website after choosing a rate: the two-day rate for TAD only, or the five-day rate for the full conference. Student members can attend the full event for $249. General questions can go to aspaconference@aspanet.org.
For the IIAS and EGPA communities, the TAD is a chance to bring comparative research on democratic resilience into conversation across the Atlantic.
Read more about the call here
