ISA Interdisciplinary Studies Section

The Interdisciplinary Studies Section (IDSS) of the International Studies Association is an international community of scholars working across disciplines to address pressing global issues and problems. The idea of “interdisciplinary” studies has a long history, and over-specialization in universities and research has had its critics in Western universities since at least the late 19th century. Arguably, prior to the twentieth century, boundaries between specialized disciplines were not firmly established. The term “interdisciplinary” is now often used to include a broad range of approaches. Some bring to bear insights and methods from multiple disciplines; others are more integrative, often creating new syntheses or established disciplines that organize teaching and research in novel ways, such as in global studies, environmental studies, women’s and gender studies. Others take more critical approaches that consider the modes and systems of knowledge production as themselves subjects of critical inquiry. IDSS seeks to include these forms of interdisciplinary work and to promote creative dialogues among them. Our work both investigates current developments in interdisciplinary work, as well as fostering innovative approaches to understanding contemporary global issues and developments.