The American Politics Group (APG) of the Political Studies Association (PSA) is the premier organisation for the study of US politics beyond America’s shores. The group has acted as a convening point for political scientists and political historians for 50 years, drawing its membership from not only the UK, but with strong representation of scholars from Europe, the US and from further afield. We are very pleased to have won Specialist Group of the Year of the Political Studies Association 2023-24.

The APG annual conference is a lively and convivial event welcoming everyone with an interest in American domestic and international politics, political history, government and society. As we enter our second half-century, we invite proposals for conference papers on any aspect of US politics. The November elections and their consequences are likely to prove a central topic of discussion, but papers examining contemporary US political institution or processes, US foreign policy, or US political history are all very welcome.

Postgraduate students are particularly encouraged to attend. Previous conferences have had a strong postgraduate presence, and we especially encourage early career scholars to present their work. Scholars at the start of their careers and professors often work together on APG panels, contributing to a community that has helped foster professional development in research, publication and teaching careers.

The APG would like to thank the David Bruce Centre for the Study of the Americas, at Keele University, for supporting this year’s Annual Conference.

Join us for an informal salon style event featuring Sir John Sawers.  The theme of the discussion will be ‘Britain and America in a Turbulent World’.  Professor Bela Arora (BAP 2004) will host the conversation with Sir John. This will be a private event for BAP Fellows and their guests.  The salon event will take place on the 23^rd January, 4.00pm-5.30pm at the Clock House on Keele Campus, the Vice Chancellor’s official residence.  The event will include a traditional afternoon tea.

There will be an extended engagement programme as an option and this will be selected via the registration form that will be circulated separately. 

Bio:

Sir John has 36 years of experience in diplomacy and intelligence, culminating in five years as Chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) until he left public service in 2014.

As MI6 Chief, he was a member of the UK National Security Council and the Joint Intelligence Committee, contributing to the strategies and policy decisions on how to promote and protect British interests around the World. He led the Service through a period of international political upheaval and high terrorist threat, including against the 2012 London Olympics. He also modernised the way the Service works and created a more open approach to public accountability.

Prior to leading MI6 he was the UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Political Director of the Foreign Office, Special Representative in Iraq, Ambassador to Cairo and Foreign Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair. In his earlier career he worked overseas in Yemen, Syria, South Africa and Washington, and at home was involved in policy on the EU, Russia and the Middle East.