Individuals who participate in the panel will be asked to write a short paper, not exceeding 1500 words, for submission by January 30, 2016. The short paper should address the theme: “Is public management research neglecting the state?” By this, we mean to ask whether public management research gives adequate attention to topics such as (1) recent changes in the architecture of the state; (2) longer-term processes by which state capabilities evolve; (3) the ability of existing state structures to address emerging challenges such as terrorism, climate change, economic transformation, or mass migration; and (4) the adequacy of mechanisms for maintaining control and accountability over state structures.

This project continues a discussion begun during the plenary session on “the state and public management” that was held at the 2015 Public Management Research Conference at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.

Expressions of interest, or requests for further information, should be sent to Brint Milward (milward@email.arizona.edu) and Alasdair Roberts (alasdair.roberts@gmail.com). Decisions about the composition of the panel will be made by November 30, 2015.