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Politics and our political realities are in constant flux around the world. Changes can happen physically, within observable boundaries and cognitively as the understanding and appreciation of the political evolves. Changes can be transformative, but they can also result in the discontinuation of a political phenomenon and signal continuity in some respects. As societies and polities face changes daily, it becomes incumbent upon political scientists, social science scholars, practitioners, and other interested parties to revisit and help us understand these changes.
Change may generally mean discontinuity. Therefore, introducing something new in any political context can signal a break—disruption and dissociation—from the existing. New leadership may engender new policies. New contexts may demand new strategies and responses. A difference in political style can trigger a series of discontinuities. National and foreign policies have been revised, reformed, and reconfigured to suit the dominant political narrative of the day and the demands of dominant stakeholders. Old political alliances break down while new ones are formed.
Paradoxically, change can also mean continuity. Even when occupants of political offices, national and local policies, and the overall political landscape change, many aspects of politics remain the same, such as political dynasties, inequalities, and conflicts. A change may signal continuation rather than a break from the norm. Thus, the evolutionary nature of politics does not mean an outright departure from what has been. Instead, changes can be avenues to preserve the status quo.
Focusing on changes and dis/continuities frames recent political developments in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the rest of the world. It assesses the prospects for domestic and international politics across critically important issues. By examining the nexus of changes and (dis)continuities in politics, a more nuanced, if not a more complete, understanding of human polity comes to the fore.
The conference invites scholars and practitioners to question the existing conceptualisations and understandings in Philippine politics, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and research methodology, primarily from the standpoint of changes and dis/continuities. It seeks to offer a wide array of possibilities for scientific inquiry and thoughtful interrogation. The 2025 International Conference of PPSA hopes to bring together presentations examining the changes and (dis)continuities in Philippine politics and the discipline of political science
