Call for Proposals: "Strange Political Bedfellows"
Yixuan Shi and Afiq bin Oslan (Max Planck Institute for Tax Law and Public Finance)
Theme OverviewThe enemy of my enemy is my friend, and so politics is often about compromise. Political actors that are normally polar opposite rivals may find it in their interests to work together to achieve a shared goal or topple a large foe. Under what conditions do long-standing adversaries set aside their differences? What determines whether an `unlikely partnership' succeeds or collapses? We seek contributions examining how and why political rivals with little common ground cooperate, both in domestic and international contexts. We welcome approaches of diverse methods, from any region and at all levels of political phenomena. Some non-exhaustive examples of relevant phenomena follow.
In domestic politics, rivals at opposite ends of a political spectrum may shake hands for mutual gain. In Germany, the `Traffic Light' coalition of leftists, libertarians and greens (briefly) brought down the mighty Union. In Malaysia, a pre-election coalition of progressives and Islamists ended over 60 years of one-party rule. In Zambia, Chewa and Tumbuka peoples collaborate politically to overcome their local numerical disadvantage—even though these peoples are political rivals in neighbouring Malawi.
Unlikely partnerships extend far beyond just elections. In Canada, Fort McKay First Nation assented to oilsands development on their traditional territory with Suncor Energy, a notable partnership between indigenous peoples and Big Oil. In the international sphere, smaller nations may ally together to balance power against larger powers. ASEAN brings together the Southeast Asian minnows (relatively speaking) of various races, religions, and political systems to square-up to their larger neighbours—finding mixed success. Stories of strangely successful cooperation might thus be contrasted with comparable scenarios where agreement was instead not found or partnerships collapsed.
Submissions from scholars at all career stages are welcome. As a student journal, IAPSS Politikon particularly encourages submissions from students broadly defined. This may include later-year undergraduates, degree-holders considering applying for graduate school, Masters students and early-year PhD candidates.
Please submit:
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An extended abstract (absolute minimum 500 words) or a more developed draft manuscript (preferred).
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Optional: brief CV and/or cover letter.
Submission deadline: 19 December 2025 (earlier submissions are encouraged)
Email to: deputy.politikon@iapss.org
Subject line: Submission for Strange Political Bedfellows
Format: PDF preferred
Successful applicants may be invited to an in-person workshop at the Harnack-Haus in Berlin, Germany, hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Tax Law and Public Finance.
Accommodation and major travel expenses (flights and long-distance trains) will be covered, in accordance with German federal regulations.
The workshop is intended to help polish manuscripts ahead of the peer review process. The possibility of holding such a workshop is dependent on this call receiving a sufficient number of quality submissions.
Notifications of acceptance: mid-January 2026 (rolling early acceptances possible).
We look forward to your proposals!
