Centre for Political Thought

We promote the critical study of political ideas, concepts and theories, both philosophically and historically.

Key priorities

Our Centre for Political Thought exists to promote the critical study of political ideas, concepts and theories, both philosophically and historically. We wish to understand the expression 'political thought' as broadly as possible and to provide a forum for all scholars working in the field.

We aim to encourage scholarly research and publication, engage with scholars across Durham University, and foster collaborations on a regional, national and international level. Inclusion of the undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA) is one of our prime objectives.

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Collaborative on a regional, national and international level

Inclusive of SGIA undergraduate and postgraduate students

Concentrated expertise in British Political Thought

Encouraging of scholarly research and publication

Our research

We are rare among Politics Departments in the UK in containing a high concentration of expertise in British political thought.

Coverage extends from the radical political ideas of the seventeenth century through to contemporary political thought, with a particular focus on the period from the late-nineteenth century to the present.

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