The idea is to communicate to a wide public audience how academic research, both empirical and theoretical, gives important insights into salient contemporary issues of public and political concern.

Each week we focus on a different topic in Politics, from political participation in Mexico and the global crisis of democracy, to participatory budgeting in Portugal and the British immigration debate, and we encourage academics in any discipline and from any country to submit contributions.

We are also keen to stimulate debate and bring different communities together, and invite responses to blog pieces by policymakers, politicians and even concerned members of the public.

Academics interested in contributing to the ‘Understanding Politics’ blog should read our Style Guide and email [email protected].