About us
The Centre for the Study of International Governance (CSIG) was established in December 2006. Located within the Department of Politics, History and International Relations (PHIR), CSIG builds on the international and national reputation of the former European Research Centre. It provides a focus for research on the changing nature of world politics and the challenges posed by managing relationships between an increasingly diverse range of actors at the global, regional, national and subnational levels. The work of the Centre proceeds from an assumption that in the absence of an over-arching political authority, debates on the principles and practice of international governance will be varied and often highly controversial. The concept of governance itself is contested and in this light the Centre welcomes a wide range of viewpoints and aims to embrace broad thematic coverage.
Aims of the Centre
- to exchange ideas on the theory and practice of international governance through the organization of conferences, seminars and workshops held in a variety of locations;
- to promote interaction between the academic community and policy practitioners on issues relating to a rapidly changing and complex international agenda;
- to collaborate with other organisations in the development of joint research projects;
- to contribute to the provision of postgraduate training through the involvement of research students in research projects and the organisation of seminars and workshops;
- to provide support for academic visitors working with members of the Department on research projects in the area of international governance.
Main areas of activity
CSIG will be developing its programme of activities in response to staff research interests and external opportunities. The initial research themes include long-established research on the EU, particularly its external relations, alongside newer interests often based on national and international collaborative links:
- The International Relations of the European Union
- Governance and Security
- Governance and its Alternatives
- Britain in the World
- Diplomacy and Governance
- Politics and Governance of Sport
