In response to the rapidly evolving political climate and its impact on academic freedom, research funding, and democratic institutions, the American Political Science Association (APSA) has launched a new collection of resources designed to support political scientists navigating these challenges. The collection, Why Political Science Matters: Resources for APSA Members in Times of Political and Institutional Upheaval, offers members tools for advocacy, professional development, and public engagement.
The resource collection reflects ongoing conversations across the association, including input from staff, Council members, and APSA program leads, about the role of political science in upholding democratic values and academic integrity.
This resource hub includes:
- Advocacy Opportunities: Learn how APSA is advocating for discipline and how members can get involved.
- Member Support Resources: Guidance and support for those facing restrictions or institutional pushback in their research or teaching.
- Research & Teaching Materials: Curated content on democratic backsliding, civic engagement, and challenges to higher education.
Supporting Political Scientists
Find APSA member resources including resources on academic freedom, information about APSA’s annual meeting, member assistance, career resources, and more. Browse APSA Resources here.
Why Political Science? The Science of Democracy
Explore collections of academic and public scholarship on democracy, democratic back-sliding, and the current crisis of American democracy. Find resources on teaching politics and civics in times of uncertainty. View Collections and Resources here.
Advocating for Political Science
The APSA Advocacy Program educates policy makers and the citizenry about the positive impacts of political science scholarship and education. APSA’s advocacy activities address funding priorities across the discipline. The APSA is a member of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), the National Humanities Alliance (NHA), the Coalition for International Education (CIE), the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF), and the CivXNow Coalition. This section includes action alerts that APSA members can send to their members of congress. APSA also advocates on behalf of political scientists and political science departments through letters, statements, and direct advocacy. To get involved visit: Advocacy Program | American Political Science Association (APSA)
APSA is committed to keeping this page dynamic and responsive to member needs. We will regularly update this page with additional resources. To submit a contribution, please complete this form. If you have any questions about this page, contact teaching@apsanet.org. Visit the full resource page here: Why Political Science Matters.
This resource hub is such a timely lifeline for political scientists navigating uncertain terrain—academic freedom, funding threats, and democratic fragility. APSA’s mix of advocacy toolkits, teaching materials, and member support isn’t just practical—it’s affirming. It reminds us: we aren’t isolated voices. We’re part of a shared mission to strengthen democracy through scholarship, connection, and resilience.