2008-08-18

Scandinavian Politics: PSA conference 2009

Dear all on the Scandinavian Politics list,

It might still be summer for some, especially those in Britain (summer in the sense of the calendar, rather than the weather, anyway). But here in chilly, rainy Stockholm, preparations for the new academic year are well underway. And it's thus time encourage you to start thinking about the 2009 PSA conference, on April 7th-9th (www.psa.ac.uk/2009).

An added attraction this year is that the conference will, for the first time, be held in a proper conference centre rather than a university campus. That this particular conference centre is in Manchester is another attraction. All the more reason, then, for a good Scandinavianist turnout.

If anyone is interested in presenting a Nordic-flavoured paper at the conference, or indeed of organising a panel, please let me know (I've been informed that "it will be your responsibility as convenor to submit the panel proposals for your specialist group").

As for the panels' composition, there are stricter guidelines than usual. "All panels", apparently, "should have a minimum of three papers and a maximum of four. Participation by graduate students is limited to one paper per panel proposal."

If you have some research on the go that you think could usefully receive some feeback around next spring, do let me know.

Best,

Nick.
--
Dr Nicholas Aylott, senior lecturer (docent) in political science
School of Social Sciences, Södertörn University College, Stockholm
SE-141 89 Huddinge, Sweden
www.sh.se/samhallsvetenskaper

2008-08-01

Scandinavian Politics: question about MPs and parties

Dear all on the Scandinavian Politics list,

Robin Pettitt of Kingston University has asked me to send out the following question to the list.

"There is a clause in the Danish Constitution (§ 56) which states that 'members of parliament are bound only by their own convictions and not by any directions from their voters'.

"Is anyone aware of any other country in Scandinavia or beyond having a similar clause, or of any literature dealing with constitutional rules protecting the independence of MPs from their voters/parties? Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated."

Please reply directly to Robin (r.pettitt@kingston.ac.uk).

Meanwhile, I hope everyone is having a prodcutive summer, however you define productive.

Best,

Nick Aylott.
--
Dr Nicholas Aylott, senior lecturer (docent) in political science
School of Social Sciences, Södertörn University College, Stockholm
SE-141 89 Huddinge, Sweden
www.sh.se/samhallsvetenskaper

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