Perspectives on Politics Call for Papers: Qualitative Bayesian Reasoning in Practice

Deadline: Dec. 10, 2026

Guest Editor: Tasha Fairfield, EUI

We invite submissions that apply qualitative Bayesian reasoning in empirical research from any subfield, including single case studies, comparative case studies, or multimethod research that features qualitative Bayesian reasoning alongside other forms of analysis. We also welcome critical assessments that address the opportunities and challenges of the method, including reflections from practitioners that draw on their experiences applying it.

For more details, see: https://apsanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PPS-CFP-Qualitative-Bayesian-Reasoning-in-Practice.pdf

Authors are free to experiment with how they incorporate Bayesian reasoning. Possibilities include (i) traditional case narratives written from the perspective of whichever contending theory performs best, followed by Bayesian analysis of the most salient empirical observations, or (ii) fully Bayesian analysis that presents each empirical observation with corresponding reasoning about the weight of evidence, culminating in an aggregate inference as to which explanation is most plausible. 

Please direct questions about this Special Issue to perspectives@apsanet.org.