The Melvin Richter Prize is awarded annually for the best doctoral dissertation in the history of political thought.  

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Melvin Richter was one of the co-founders of CSPT and a leading scholar of Montesquieu, Tocqueville, and the theory and method of conceptual history. Through his influential scholarship, his lifelong support of CSPT, and his generosity as a teacher and mentor, Richter shaped the intellectual world of political theory. CSPT is proud to honor and extend this legacy through the Richter prize, which has been established with the support of Melvin Richter’s family and friends. The award carries a cash prize of $1000. 

 

Eligibility:

Dissertations awarded a doctoral degree within the previous two calendar years (i.e. dissertation degrees must have been awarded in 2022 or 2023). International submissions are encouraged, as long as the dissertation is made available in English. 

 

Submission:

Scholars interested in having their dissertations considered for the prize should email a PDF version of the dissertation to coordinator@icspt.org. Faculty supervisors should encourage the authors of excellent dissertations to submit them for consideration. Dissertations must be submitted as they were accepted for the doctoral degree, without revision. Submissions must include written confirmation from the degree-granting institution that the dissertation has been accepted and the degree has been awarded. 

 

Timeline:

Submissions are due February 15, 2024. Decisions will be made by June 30, 2024, and awarded at APSA 2024.

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Support the Richter Prize:

For more information and to support the Richter Prize see our page here.

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