Politics

The Yearbook of European Integration, published by the Institute for European Politics, has been documenting and analysing the process of European integration in a timely and detailed manner since 1980. Over the past 40 years, a unique documentation of contemporary European history has emerged.

Due to rapid changes and unexpected developments, academic studies of international politics are becoming increasingly complex. In order to examine constantly shifting objects of study, research on international politics must continually revise the theoretical and empirical frameworks and methodology employed. Moreover, both academic research in general and international politics studies in particular should go beyond mere analysis and offer normative guidance to policy makers. The challenges of such a multilevel field of research can only be met by an interdisciplinary approach, in which important insights from both political science and philosophy are applied to studies of topics ranging from armed conflicts, political and religious extremism, migration, identity issues, contested economic structures and regulations, and international law-making to humanitarian intervention and climate change. This book series consists of anthologies of works by philosophers and political scientists and experts from related subjects as well as monographs written by authors with the respective disciplines as a background. All texts submitted for publication in this series undergo a rigorous process of double-blind peer review, based on initial editor screening and anonymized refereeing by at least two referees. The editorial process is overseen by the editors and supported by two editorial assistants.

Philosophy thrives on debate, namely justified differences of opinion on assertions, views and theories. The argumentative nature of philosophy also characterises the idea behind this series of publications: it presents critical appraisals of important new studies from the field of philosophy and those related to it by renowned experts in direct discussion with their authors. A short introduction by the author opens each debate, which is then followed by the critics’ essays. Subsequently, the author responds in detail to the arguments put forward in the essays. The series is interdisciplinary and is not dedicated to any particular school of thought; the works published in it are chosen according to their originality and the relevance of their subjects.

Science and technology are crucial drivers of societal change. Yet, a paradox is embedded in the current situation. On the one hand, it seems that societies are more dependent than ever on science and technology to solve social problems. On the other hand, scientific and technological contributions are deeply controversial, right up to the denial of their significance. It also seems that with developments like digitalisation and climate change or the environmental crisis, changes in science and technology are intimately connected with changes in society—and vice versa. The exact reach of these presumed shifts is a matter for empirical and conceptual inquiry—but already various complex phenomena, like emotive public outbursts, resistance and criticism, can be observed. Controversies and criticism about the forms, limitations and consequences of science and technology alike have become more intense. However, it also seems that there are shifts in the epistemic tectonics of contemporary societies. Against this backdrop, the series of publications entitled ‘Wissenschafts- und Technikforschung’ (Science and Technology Studies) provides a forum in which these developments can be researched in different dimensions, with diverse approaches from across the entire spectrum of science and technology studies. What kind of significant changes to scientific knowledge production and the genesis, production and application of technology can currently be observed? How could these be analysed in the best way and what scientific instruments and methods must be developed for this purpose? In order to find answers to these questions, theories and methods from various thematically relevant disciplines, especially from sociology, philosophy, social anthropology and history, will be applied. This may result in an integral or rather agonistic science and technology studies programme. In any case, it will generate a better self-understanding of science and technology studies within this series. The series provides both foundational knowledge in the all scientific disciplines involved as well as guidelines for decision makers and all those interested in this subject area.

“Southeast European Integration Perspectives” (SEIP) publishes relevant works on the political issues concerning Southeast Europe written by scholars, policy analysts, politicians, practitioners and activists, including both internationally recognised authors and emerging regional voices. SEIP both analyses and promotes ongoing processes of transition and transformation, exploring the linkages between an emergent regionalism in Southeast Europe and wider European integration. SEIP combines cutting edge policy research, interdisciplinary approaches and innovative and provocative thinking which will be of interest to a wide range of readers, including policy analysts, scholars, policy makers, diplomats, and journalists.