The International Political Science Association (IPSA), founded under the auspices of UNESCO in 1949, is an international scholarly association.
IPSA is devoted to the advancement of political science through the collaboration of scholars in different parts of the world; to the
organization of world congresses and other academic activities; to provide reference and documentation services; to facilitate diffusion of
information linked to political science; and to promote internationally planned research.

Since its beginning, national political science associations have constituted its core. Its founder members included American, Canadian, French
and Indian political science associations. By 1960, 24 more national associations had joined up. Since then, collective membership has been
expanding at a steady pace. Today, 50 associations are IPSA collective members.

Each collective member is represented on IPSA’s central governing organ, the Council. The Council lays down broad policy guidelines for the
association and elects the Executive Committee which is responsible for the conduct of IPSA’s affairs between congresses.

IPSA’s individual and associate membership has been introduced in the early 1950s. Starting with 52 members in 1952, IPSA’s individual membership
now comprise more than 3 600 members. Associate membership open to institutions engaged in research or teaching in the area of political science
is hovering about an average of 100 registered institutions.

IPSA’s academic activities fall under three main headings: 1) it organizes triennial world congresses and other academic events, 2) it promotes
research in political science, notably through a wide-reaching network of research committees (RC) and 3) it engages in many publications.

IPSA’s principal academic activity is the triennial congress. Starting in 1950 and 1952, world congresses have been taking place every three
years since. From small beginnings, they have developed into major international scientific occasions, typically attracting about 2000
participants. In addition to these major events, IPSA is sponsoring other types of scholarly meetings such as conference, roundtables and
workshops.
 
Since the 1970s, one of the most dynamic areas of growth within IPSA has been the activity of its RC. In addition to organizing panels at the
triennial congresses, RCs organize their own meetings between congresses, publish newsletters and issue other publications. IPSA has now 50 RC.
 
IPSA has also been extremely active in the area of publishing. The extensive publishing program includes: the International Political Science
Abstracts (1951), the International Political Science Review (1980) and the bulletin of the association, Participation (1977). More recently,
IPSA also offers an online publication, the IPSA Portal, and a monthly information email called Newsletter.

IPSA has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), with the United Nations Educational
Scientific and Cultural Council (UNESCO) and it is a member of the International Social Science Council and of the Global Development Network.