About EPSIRA
The Ethiopian Political Science and International Relations Association (EPSIRA) strengthens and fosters the study of political science and international relations in Ethiopia, supports and promotes research in the field, fosters collaboration among scholars and practitioners, and promotes civic and community engagement of its members.
Our Purpose
The purpose of EPSIRA is to strengthen and foster the study of political science and international relations in Ethiopia, support and promote research in the field, foster collaboration among scholars and practitioners, and promote civic and community engagement of its members.
- Organize conferences, workshops on research outputs pertaining to topical political and international relations issues
- Publish scientific research outputs in peer-reviewed journals
- Provide mentorship and professional development training for young, emerging scholars
- Inform policy processes at national, regional, continental and international levels
Our Vision
EPSIRA aspires to be a leading platform for scholarly engagements among lecturers, researchers and students in the field, contribute to debates on research based policy-oriented national, regional and international political affairs.
"A leading platform for scholarly engagements, contributing to research-based policy debates at national, regional and international levels."
Our History
Attempts to establish a scholarly community of political science association in Ethiopia spans a few decades. Few scholars and students at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Addis Ababa University took the first steps, and have over the years engaged in efforts towards the establishment of the Association.
The Association was established again in 2005 E.C, and developing it into a fully functional platform was a challenge due to the lack of clear understanding among its associates, bureaucratic red tapes and delays as regards renewal of the Association's certificate of registration, and the Covid-19 Pandemic. Human and financial resources limitations constrained the activities of the Association previously.
Through the efforts of its members and the support of the associates, the commitment and determination of its leadership promoting teamwork, the Association has carried out academic workshops, conducted discussions and debates about the status and the future of the Association, leading to the subsequent articulation and clarification of its purposes which helped the amendment of its Bylaws, and streamlined membership following a recent and First Extraordinary Meeting of the General Assembly. These actions and activities have reinvigorated this emergent scholarly forum.
Our Founders & Members
The dedicated scholars and academics who established and continue to lead EPSIRA in advancing political science and international relations in Ethiopia.
Founding Members
Early gathering of EPSIRA founders and members
General Assembly Meeting
Members at an official EPSIRA assembly
Department Leadership
Members at the Department of Political Science & IR
Governance Structure
EPSIRA is governed by a structured framework ensuring transparency and member participation.
General Assembly
The main governing body of EPSIRA, responsible for decisions about rules and regulations, election of Executive Committee members, holds annual meetings, reviews and approves reports, budget, and audits. The General Assembly has mandate on establishment of branch offices, amendment of Bylaws, and provides guidance and oversight of policies and programs.
Executive Committee
With the leadership of the President of the Association, the Executive Committee is responsible for the day to day activities of EPSIRA. With the active participation of members, organs such as the Editorial Board work in coordination with the Executive Committee, authors, and Advisory Board Members, internal and international.
Programs & Activities
EPSIRA engages in a wide range of academic and professional activities to advance political science and international relations.
Scholarly Conferences & Workshops
Conduct scholarly conferences or workshops towards the end of the academic year, and annual meeting towards the end of the budget year per the Ethiopian Calendar.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Publish peer-reviewed bi-annual scholarly Journal, and occasional newsletters to disseminate research outputs.
Training & Mentorship
Provide training in selected areas and topical issues of the discipline, and mentorship services for students and emerging scholars.
Curriculum Development
Carry out activities in support of curriculum development and reviews at universities, colleges or departments hosting the relevant programs in Ethiopia.
Professional Collaboration
Engage in activities of collaboration with professional associations in Ethiopia, and similar scholarly bodies in Africa and worldwide.
Civic Engagement
Promote community and civic engagement of its members and students through outreach activities and public discourse.
Membership
The Association offers full membership for academic scholars, researchers and students in the field of political science and international relations in Ethiopia. Associate, institutional and honorary membership categories are extended to potential applicants.
Research Collaborations
Opportunities for research collaborations among scholars based at different universities and research institutes across Ethiopia, Africa and beyond.
Professional Development
Training opportunities for members, support for students at various levels through need-based training and mentorship activities.
Publication Platforms
Publication platforms for members who aim to publish their research outputs in the Journal and newsletters.
Member Directory
Directory of members for facilitating interactions within the community, sharing relevant news, updates and opportunities.
Our Values & Principles
EPSIRA values commitment to excellence and adherence to highest ethical standards.
Commitment to Excellence
Adherence to highest ethical standards and striving to support members in their scholarly and career development.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Trust, responsibility, professionalism, teamwork and collaboration guide relationships among members and associates.
Non-Discrimination
The Association fosters equality and respect, emphasizing support for female members, women and young female students.
Professionalism
The Bylaws, Publications and other guidelines provide the necessary framework for ethics and professionalism.
Partnership & Collaboration
EPSIRA welcomes and works to engage in partnerships with scholarly associations such as the African Political Science Association, American Political Science Association and International Political Science Association. It will collaborate and engage in mutual institutional development experiences with professional and scholarly associations in Ethiopia. It actively encourages close collaboration in teaching, research and related scholarly engagements among its members based at institutions of higher learning in different parts of Ethiopia, regionally and internationally as well.