French Association of Political Science
The French Association of Political Science (AFSP) is a learned society that promotes and coordinates political science research in France.
Last updated September 26, 2026
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Overview
The Association Française de Science Politique (AFSP), or French Association of Political Science, is a French learned society that brings together researchers in political science. Its primary mission is to support and advance research in the discipline through the organization of conferences, the publication of the Revue française de science politique, and various other scholarly activities. In addition to its own initiatives, the AFSP monitors and coordinates the community of political scientists across France. The association was founded in 1949, in the wake of the Institut d'études politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and the Fondation nationale des sciences politiques. It was created by teachers from the Institut, and its establishment coincided with the post-war expansion of political science as an academic field in France. The AFSP has since become the principal professional body for political scientists in the country. Throughout its history, the AFSP has organized biennial national congresses that rotate among different French university cities, often in partnership with local research laboratories and institutes of political studies. These congresses have grown significantly in scale and international reach, attracting hundreds of participants from France and abroad. The association also maintains partnerships with international political science organizations, including the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and the European Confederation of Political Science Associations (ECPSA). The AFSP is governed by a president and a board. Notable past presidents include André Siegfried, Jean-Jacques Chevallier, François Goguel, Georges Vedel, Jean Leca, Jean-Louis Quermonne, and Nonna Mayer. Since 2020, Christophe Jaffrelot has served as president. The association is based in Paris and operates primarily in France, though its activities and partnerships extend internationally. In recent years, the AFSP has expanded its activities to include webinars, podcasts, and thematic dossiers, and it has taken an active role in defending academic freedom through its Observatory of Attacks on Academic Freedom. It remains a central institution for the French political science community, facilitating networking, research dissemination, and professional development.
History
The Association Française de Science Politique (AFSP) was founded in 1949, emerging from the intellectual and institutional environment of the Institut d'études politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and the Fondation nationale des sciences politiques. Political science as a discipline had been developing in France since the Third Republic, largely under the influence of the École libre des sciences politiques founded by Émile Boutmy. When the École libre was replaced by the Institut d'études politiques de Paris after World War II, the ordinance creating the Fondation nationale des sciences politiques gave it the mission to 'favor the progress and diffusion in France [...] of political sciences.' The AFSP was created by teachers of the Institut in this context, with the aim of organizing and promoting the emerging discipline. The association's early years were marked by the leadership of prominent figures such as André Siegfried, who served as president from 1949 to 1959. Under his and subsequent presidencies, the AFSP established itself as the primary professional body for political scientists in France. It began publishing the Revue française de science politique, which became a flagship journal of the discipline. The association also started organizing regular national congresses, providing a forum for researchers to present and discuss their work. Over the decades, the AFSP expanded its activities and international reach. The biennial congresses grew in size and scope, often held in partnership with local universities and research centers. For instance, the IXth congress in Toulouse in 2007 attracted nearly 600 participants and featured strong international participation, including the American Political Science Association. The Xth congress in Grenoble in 2009 set a record with 840 participants, about a quarter of whom were foreign political scientists. Subsequent congresses continued this trend, with partnerships extending to German, Brazilian, and other international associations. The AFSP has also played a role in defending academic freedom and addressing contemporary issues. In recent years, it launched the Observatory of Attacks on Academic Freedom and produced webinars and podcasts on topics such as academic freedom and the role of political scientists in public debate. The association celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019 at the XVth congress in Bordeaux. Today, the AFSP remains a central institution for political science in France, coordinating research, publishing, and professional development. Its presidents have included many of the most respected names in French political science, and its congresses continue to be major events in the academic calendar.
- 2026
XVIIIth congress scheduled for Lyon.
- 2024
XVIIth congress held in Grenoble.
- 2022
XVIth congress held in Lille.
- 2020
Christophe Jaffrelot becomes president.
- 2019
XVth congress held in Bordeaux, celebrating the 70th anniversary.
- 2017
XIVth congress held in Montpellier; Andy Smith becomes president.
- 2015
XIIIth congress held in Aix-en-Provence.
- 2013
XIIth congress held in Paris with a partnership with the Brazilian association.
- 2011
XIth congress held in Strasbourg in partnership with the German and European associations.
- 2009
Xth congress held in Grenoble with a record 840 participants.
Products and positioning
The leading professional association for political scientists in France, dedicated to advancing research and coordinating the discipline.
Revue française de science politique
Biennial national congress
Webinars (Poli(cri)tique)
Podcasts
MagAFSP
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