Institut für Politikwissenschaft

Welcome to the Institute of Political Science at the University of Göttingen


Welcome to the Institute of Political Science at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, a renowned centre for academic excellence in the field of political science.

Research Located in the historic city of Göttingen, the Institute promotes excellent research, high-quality teaching and international academic cooperation. Under the leadership of distinguished professors, the Institute's research encompasses the fields of International Relations, Comparative Politics & Political Economy, Political Theory and History of Ideas, Political Science/Didactics of Politics, Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany, and State and Democracy in Modern India. The interdisciplinary environment of the University of Göttingen promotes research and co-operation with strengths in the fields of development economics, law, ethnology and sociology. The Institute's commitment to a comprehensive and engaging education of students is reflected in innovative teaching methods and a curriculum that encourages critical thinking. In addition, the Institute's teaching emphasises personal support and an intensive exchange between students and lecturers.
Internationalization is moreover an important key aspect. The institute is part of the renowned ENLIGHT network, which promotes academic exchange, joint research projects and international knowledge transfer. This global perspective offers students the opportunity to gain valuable intercultural experience while studying abroad, enriching their academic careers. The Institute's diverse and inclusive community, as well as the varied English-language curriculum, welcomes international students and enables them to integrate seamlessly into campus life at Göttingen University.
In conclusion, the Institute of Political Science at the University of Göttingen is characterised by a dynamic research environment, extensive interdisciplinary collaboration, excellent teaching with a diverse range of different fields of work, and a strong international presence that optimally prepares students for careers in various fields.

News and events

    • Invitation to the upcoming presentation by Christina L. Davis, Harvard University
      Sanctions at Sea – and Why They Often Sink
      Targeting ships with economic sanctions sounds like a powerful tool to pressure rogue states. But how effective are these measures really?
      Using satellite-based vessel-tracking data, we show: sanctioned ships do avoid their usual ports in the short term — but within roughly five months, traffic returns to normal. Many vessels simply switch off their tracking systems and disappear into the so-called "dark fleet." But there's a political dimension too: which countries continue to welcome sanctioned ships? Our analysis reveals that close diplomatic ties with the targeted state — such as state visits or bilateral agreements — significantly raise the likelihood that a port will open its doors. This effect turns out to be stronger than the influence of relations with the United States itself.
      The bottom line: Global shipping is decentralized, hard to police — and sanctions frequently fail due to the political autonomy of third-party states.
      When: Tuesday, June 2nd, 12:30-13:45
      Where: ZHG 004


          • Strengthening democracy in Europe: the Erasmus+ project EuroConnect, involving the Göttingen project team led by Dr Kristina Kurze Das Erasmus+-Projekt EuroConnect mit Beteiligung des Göttinger Projektteams unter der Leitung von Dr. Kristina Kurze
            In Europa stehen Demokratien vor tiefgreifenden Herausforderungen. Wie können wir vor dem Hintergrund sicherstellen, dass junge Menschen die Kompetenzen besitzen, aktiv an demokratischen Prozessen teilzuhaben?
            Das Erasmus+ Projekt EuroConnect – Strengthening Civic Competences and EU Democratic Life, an dem das Institut für Politikwissenschaft seit November 2025 beteiligt ist, setzt genau an dieser Frage an. Vom 4. Mai bis 29. Juni 2026 finden zehn transnationale Online-Debatten statt, an denen Studierende der drei Partneruniversitäten (Göttingen, Siena und Tartu) teilnehmen können. Drei der Debatten werden durch das Göttinger Projektteam moderiert.
            Weitere Informationen zur Anmeldung zu den Online-Debatten sowie zur Projektseite von EuroConnect.


                • Chair of the Political system of the BRD
                  The EU simulation organised by the Chair of the Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany has been included in the DVPW’s series “Outstanding Teaching in German Political Science 2025”. Further information can be found here


                      • Welche Effekte hat das Trump Telefonat mit Putin auf den Russland-Ukraine-Krieg, und wie wirken sich weitere Sanktionen der EU aus?
                        Christian von Soest hat sich in einem Interview mit ntv zu diesen Fragen geäußert.
                        Er ist Honorarprofessor an der Universität Göttingen. Das Interview ist hier zu finden.