This year, colleagues from the department delivered an impressive and diverse set of presentations, highlighting the breadth and depth of research at CCCU. Contributions came from Prof. David Bates,\u00a0Dr Susan Kenyon,\u00a0Dr Muzaffer Kutlay,\u00a0Dr Tom Sharkey<\/strong>, alongside our PhD students, Kamala Aghazada <\/strong>and Ileowo Kikiowo<\/strong>. Together, their work reflected CCCU\u2019s ongoing engagement with some of the most pressing debates in contemporary political research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond presenting, the conference also provided an excellent platform for collaboration, networking, and the exchange of ideas across disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Kutlay\u2019s reflections:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My own participation centred on engagement with the PSA Ethnopolitics Specialist Group,<\/a> where I presented my work as part of a panel discussion, contributing to ongoing debates on migration, identity, and governance. I also had the pleasure of connecting with colleagues from the PSA Turkish Studies Specialist Group<\/a> during the PSA Prize and Drinks Reception, further strengthening interdisciplinary and international research links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A particularly fruitful highlight was a post\u2013book launch conversation with\u00a0Prof. John McGarry, following his event on\u00a0The Politics of Domination: Taking, Keeping and Losing Control over Other Peoples<\/em>, organised with\u00a0Prof Stefan Wolff,\u00a0Dr Timofey Agarin, and\u00a0Prof. Neophytos Loizides. Over coffee, we explored comparative perspectives on domination, drawing in particular on the case of Bulgarian Turks under communist rule. The discussion opened up valuable avenues for thinking about how domination is conceptualised and experienced across different historical and political contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among our postgraduate researchers, second-year PhD student Ileowo Kikiowo <\/strong>shares his reflections from the conference:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n During this year\u2019s annual conference of the Political Studies Association, which was held at the University of Oxford, I presented a paper on the federal implications of Nigeria\u2019s new tax regime and the quest for true federalism. The session was hosted by the African Politics Specialist Group.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In my paper, I examined the new tax regime through the theoretical framework of modernisation and fiscal federalism. While I acknowledge the government\u2019s efforts to streamline the tax system and improve the ease of doing business, I argue that several provisions run counter to the principles of federalism. A key concern is the continued overcentralisation of fiscal powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also reflected on the broader constitutional implications, particularly the expanding role of federal institutions. In a true federal system, no tier of government is subordinate. On local government autonomy, I argue that the focus should move beyond financial independence. Local governments should be empowered to generate and manage their own resources effectively. During the panel session, I answered questions from diverse participants who were interested in the subject matter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The conference was an inspiring experience, engaging with scholars from around the world. I also served as an ambassador, which provided an opportunity to connect with researchers and learn about different perspectives in different subject areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another of our PhD students, Kamala Aghazada<\/strong>, writes about her experience at PSA:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This year, I had the opportunity to present my ongoing research, sharing findings from my PhD project as part of a panel organised by the Social policy and Politics Specialist Group<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My current work explores inter-party dynamics, with a particular focus on how radical right parties shape and influence mainstream approaches to social policymaking. The discussion following my presentation was engaging and thought-provoking, which allowed me to reflect further on my research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also connected with both PhD researchers and established academics during a panel on populism, where we discussed contemporary global trends alongside the historical development of populism in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.canterbury.ac.uk\/politics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/645\/2026\/04\/image-1_3_11zon-1024x767.jpg\")
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