The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
A bipartisan research, teaching and experiential learning institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with special emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity, civility and ethics, and hands-on learning through internships and events.
Call for Papers
The State of the Parties: 2024 & Beyond Conference
November 6 - 7, 2025
The University of Akron's Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics will sponsor the ninth quadrennial “State of the Parties” conference, November 6 – 7, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. The conference will bring together scholars and practitioners to assess changes in American political parties after the 2024 federal election. As in the past, the best papers will be included in the 10th edition of The State of the Parties, scheduled to be published in 2026.
Paper proposals on any aspect of contemporary American political parties are welcome. Topics of particular interest include:
- Shifts in the two-party system, including elites, activists, factions, and ideologies
- Prospects for realignment, including shifts in mass constituencies, issue cleavages, party images, and levels of participation
- Innovations in national, state, and local party organizations, including relations with candidates and organized interests, voter outreach and mobilization
- Impact of digital technology, the new media environment, and financial resources on party operations
- Changes regarding party-in-government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal and state governments, and the capacity to govern
- Proposals for party reform, including nominations, voting laws, and prospects for multi-party politics
- Normative concerns, such as parties and support for democratic norms, polarization and extremism, representation and legitimacy
Scholars interested in presenting a paper should submit a one-page proposal by March 16, 2025, to the Bliss Institute at bliss@uakron.edu. Please feel free to share this information with interested colleagues and students.
Why study applied politics
Jim Crooks, MA '03, Owner of JP Power Strategic Communications, discusses his career path and shares advice for students.
Valuable internships
UA graduate student, Brandon Meeker, shares his internship experience with the Akron Bicentennial. He is pursuing a Master in Applied Politics.
EVENTS
The Bliss Institute brings political figures to public forums and classroom visits each semester. We also offer national conferences that bring together academicians and practitioners to discuss recent developments in the political world. These events are open to the public.
THE GREATER AKRON CIVILITY CENTER
Setting standards, providing resources, and working to create a culture of civility in the Greater Akron community.
Inside Bliss Institute
Campus location
Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
The University of Akron
Olin Hall 325
Akron, OH 44325-1914
(see campus map)
Contact us
Office: 330-972-5182
Fax: 330-972-5479
Email: bliss@uakron.edu
Social Media Coordinator:
Blair Everett
Email: beverett@uakron.edu
