SPS Political Theory research recognized: Mihaela Mihai Wins Inaugural Onora O’Neill Prize, Mathias Thaler Shortlisted
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The School of Social and Political Science (SPS) is celebrating the international recognition of political theory research at Edinburgh. Professor Mihaela Mihai has been named the winner of the inaugural ECPR Onora O’Neill Political Theory Prize 2026 for her book, Political Memory and the Aesthetics of Care (Stanford University Press).
In an exceptional double-success for the Politics and IR department, Professor Mathias Thaler was also shortlisted for the same prize for his latest work, No Other Planet: Utopian Visions for a Climate-Changed World (Cambridge University Press).
Established by the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR), this new prize recognises the best book published in political theory over the past three years, celebrating outstanding contributions that cut across different traditions and methodologies. The accolade is named in honour of the influential philosopher Baroness Onora O’Neill, widely known for her transformative work on justice, ethics, and trust. The recognition highlights the University of Edinburgh’s position as a global leader in innovative political theory.
Commenting on the extraordinary departmental achievement, Professor Meryl Kenny, Head of Politics and International Relations (PIR), said:
"We are absolutely thrilled by this brilliant double recognition for Mihaela and Mathias. To have two scholars from the same department nominated for such a prestigious international award - and for Mihaela to become the inaugural winner - is a phenomenal achievement. It underscores the vibrant, world-leading nature of political theory research here at Edinburgh. Both books demonstrate how vital creative thinking and narrative are to tackling our most complex global challenges, past and present."
Political Memory and the Aesthetics of Care
Professor Mihai’s winning monograph tackles how societies tackle systemic violence and its structural sources. Moreover, it challenges the standard historical narratives that often erase everyday complicity or fail to recognize complex, "impure" forms of resistance. Through the lens of "mnemonic care," Mihai reveals how artists can use their work to disrupt hegemonic narratives, inviting communities to genuinely confront structural injustice.
Reflecting on the prize, Professor Mihaela Mihai said:
"I am honoured and humbled to be awarded the inaugural Onora O’Neill Political Theory Prize. The book was written to excavate the structural underpinnings of political violence and show how they can be publicly thematized and contested, in the hope that my analysis will resonate with readers at a time such as ours. I am incredibly grateful to the ECPR and the jury, and especially to my colleagues in SPS, PIR, CRITIQUE and the Political Theory Research Group, who have always helped me improve my work, with great patience and generosity."
No Other Planet
Turning from the memories of the past to the challenges of the future, Professor Thaler’s shortlisted book focuses on the climate emergency. Rather than succumbing to environmental anxiety, No Other Planet investigates how speculative fiction, utopias, and dystopias can serve as essential tools for navigating the ecological crisis. Thaler argues that literature can offer political theory the creative imagination needed to inhabit a climate-changed world.
Professor Mathias Thaler added:
"I am very happy to see No Other Planet shortlisted alongside such exceptional scholarship. Exploring how speculative fiction and ‘social dreaming’ can help us navigate the climate emergency was a deeply rewarding project, and it is wonderful to see the ECPR recognize the value of bringing literature into climate discourse. Huge congratulations to Mihaela for a thoroughly well-deserved win! Having Edinburgh recognized in this way is testament to the inspiring research environment we share within PIR and SPS. Thanks to all the colleagues who contribute to our vibrant community."
Both books are currently available to order via their respective publishers, and further discussions on the intersection of art, memory, and climate futures will continue to feature across the PIR research groups this semester.
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