The Future of Political Science

From time to time it benefits most disciplines to take a look at themselves in order to see 1) where they are likely to go, 2) where they would like to be, and 3) how they should get there. Political Science as the master discipline is no exception to this rule. There may be discrepancies between 1) and 2) and - if so which are they and how could this be sorted out? Political Science draws on many fields of knowledge, which it in turn influences, by the use a variety of knowledge sources and knowledge bases. This section uses foresight when trying to examine some of the major future challenges to, and potential uses of, Political Science. The panel chairmen are all internationally recognized experts in their field, and will collaborate. Each panel will scrutinize one of several interchanging areas, pose a set of questions for which answers (or solution) are sought. The following issue areas are (or should perhaps be) of primary importance for our discipline: The question of values and trust; the close and increasing interaction with and understanding of international economics; the newer interaction with some of the natural sciences, in particular Biotechnology ; and last, but not least the perennial question about scientific advice and governance seen from the point of view of a systems analysis for political science. We search for answers to the following queries: How much is Political Science as a discipline moved by what is happening around it? To what extent can Political Science by itself or failing that - in collaboration with others move things? Panel chairs are sought from individuals open to these questions.