2025 Best Paper on Statehood, Sovereignty and Conflict Announcement

We are delighted to be able to announce the winner of the 2025 prize for the Best  Paper on Statehood, Sovereignty and Conflict: 

‘Can Experts Afford an Emotion? The Effect of Emotional and Uncivil Expert Language on Public Perceptions About the Russo-Ukrainian War' ’ byVera Axyonova (University of Birmingham) and George Georgarakis (University of Vienna).

The jury members (Shpend Kursani, George Kyris and Katsia Lozka) have particularly acknowledged the paper’s meticulous study of the highly relevant topic of emotions and expertise, which offers a significant conceptual and theoretical advance, complemented by a rigorous methodological approach. The paper provides compelling evidence on how expert communication is perceived during times of war and intense polarisation, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine, making its subject matter exceptionally timely. The paper's focus is strongly aligned with the network’s themes and its topical relevance, well-argued significance, and thoughtful discussion of future research avenues make it a standout contribution. These findings not only enrich academic debates but also have the potential to inform real-world strategies for experts and scholars engaging with diverse audiences.

In deliberating, the jury was guided by the aim of the award to recognise the best paper presented at the ECPR General Conference section of the Research Network that makes, or shows promise for making, a significant contribution to the research areas of the Research Network, in conceptual, theoretical and/or empirical terms, and demonstrates relevance to current affairs.

We would also like to congratulate all authors of papers presented in our sectionion, which the jury found to be of outstanding quality and potential to make significant contributions to existing knowledge. Wishing you all a wonderful start to 2026!