Politics and Political Economy of Eurasia Workshop

We are now accepting proposals for the sixth annual Politics and Political Economy of Eurasia Workshop (formerly the Midwest Eurasian Political Economy Workshop), to be held during the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) annual meeting from April 23-26, 2026. You can view last year's program here.

Workshop Focus

This workshop aims to bring together researchers exploring the vast region from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, focusing on critical issues in the region’s politics and political economy. We invite papers on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Political institutions and behavior

• Regime dynamics

• Economic development and policies

• Historical political economy

• Governance

The geographical scope includes Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, the Baltic States, and post-communist countries in Eastern Europe.

Workshop Format

Each accepted paper will be grouped with related submissions and receive in-depth feedback from a designated discussant. Sessions will include ample time for Q&A and participant discussion. We particularly welcome presentations showcasing preliminary empirical results from ongoing research projects. Participants are expected to attend multiple sessions throughout the workshop.

The two-day workshop will feature 7-8 thematic panels, each consisting of three papers. Participants will also have the opportunity to serve as panel chairs and discussants when possible. The workshop traditionally includes an informal dinner/reception, offering an additional opportunity to connect and engage with fellow researchers.

Submission Guidelines

To submit a proposal, please use this form by September 18, 2025. Authors of selected presentations will be notified by September 30, 2025. If your proposal is not selected, you will still have time to submit your paper to the MPSA by the general conference deadline of October 7, 2025.

Selection Process

Papers will be selected by the workshop’s organizing committee through a blind review process. We are looking for papers that:

1. Are relevant to the workshop’s substantive and geographic focus

2. Employ rigorous empirical or theoretical research designs (quantitative, qualitative, or formal)

3. Fit together to create thematically coherent panels that promote meaningful exchange and discussion.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact Valeria Umanets at vumanets@tulane.edu.

Organizing committee

Jordan Gans-Morse (Northwestern University)

Guzel Garifullina (University of Richmond)

Scott Gehlbach (University of Chicago)

Pauline Jones (University of Michigan)

Ora John Reuter (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)

Regina Smyth (Indiana University)

Susanne Wengle (University of Notre Dame)

Valeria Umanets (Tulane University), coordinator/chair