Mapping the Global Dimensions of Policy 13: Alternative Approaches to Pressing Issues

We are living through an era of intersecting crises that have revealed the shortcomings and contradictions of many mainstream and entrenched policy perspectives. For example, geopolitical struggles, environmental issues, energy pressures, new technologies like AI, and health emergencies, to name a few, place pressure on already buckling policy systems. When examined across times and scales, especially when situated in the global context, the criticality and complexity of such issues become even more evident. Thus, in an era of immense change, highlighting and strengthening new research is crucial. As a result, this year’s conference has four main goals: (1) bolstering graduate students’ research by providing a platform for new work; (2) providing in-depth feedback and avenues to advance graduate students’ careers – both academic and non-academic; (3) fostering a space for graduate students to connect with fellow students and professors and learn from each other in a collaborative environment and (4) creating the opportunities to advance graduate student careers – both academic and non-academic – by hosting development panels.

McMaster University’s thirteenth annual Graduate Conference, Mapping the Global Dimensions of Policy 13 – Alternative Approaches to Pressing Issues, invites contributions speaking to all questions raised at the intersections of globalization and policy studies. We welcome graduate students from all disciplines with new research ideas to submit proposals for a paper or poster presentation. This includes, but is not limited to, the disciplines of Political Science, International Development Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Studies, History, Labour Studies, Law, Economics, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Psychology, and Health Studies. Panels will be organized thematically to advance critical analysis of research on related topics.