Civil Society, Sovereignty, Populism, Democracy

Please join us for a conference celebrating the work of Jean L. Cohen, Nell and Herbert M. Singer Professor of Political Theory and Contemporary Civilization in the Department of Political Science, Columbia University.

For several decades, Professor Cohen has profoundly shaped the field of political theory through her wide-ranging and influential scholarship, while also mentoring generations of students and colleagues.

The conference will bring together Prof. Cohen’s former students to reflect on themes connected to her work and intellectual legacy. Presentations will address topics including civil society and the state, feminism, populism, authoritarianism and de-democratization, political secularism, social movements, constitution-making, sovereignty and globalization, and related questions in democratic and constitutional theory.

The celebratory conference will be held in the Lindsay Rogers Room (Room 707) at Columbia University International Affairs Building on November 6, 2026 from 9.00 AM.