A Study of PhD Programs in Political Science, and the Future of Political Theory

Isaiah Berlin began his seminal work, “Does Political Theory Still Exist?” by considering the existential status of political theory. He questioned whether political theory was alive and well, or whether political theory was dead or dying. Berlin argued that, from an intellectual perspective, political theory cannot die. Yet the status of political theory as a disciplinary subfield may be institutionally insecure. I therefore examine political science doctoral programs to evaluate whether political theory’s future is stable, or uncertain. I consider whether departments offer doctoral students the opportunity to concentrate on political theory as a major or minor subfield of study. I likewise consider whether all doctoral students are required to complete political theory coursework. I compare political theory’s status with other subfields and find that political theory has a uniquely tenuous future. I conclude by calling to preserve political theory as a field of study equal to our empirical subfields.