25 years of the Department of Politics and International Relations

For generations, the University of Oxford has produced some of the finest political scientists and international relations scholars, working and studying in diverse roles across the globe. 

Since 2000, this community has come together under the name of The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) which now proudly connects almost 25,000 alumni in more than 26 countries.

Throughout 2025, we’ve being recognising the real-world impact and influence of our research over the past 25 years celebrating our global community, past and present. 

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A Landmark Anniversary in London

170 alumni, colleagues and distinguished guests gathered for our 25-year anniversary celebration at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, in London in December. 

 

This special evening brought together members of our global community to celebrate a quarter-century of excellence, impact, and innovation.

 

The evening featured personal addresses from Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey, and Chancellor, the Rt Hon Lord William Hague of Richmond. Their reflections underscored DPIR’s role in advancing scholarship and fostering global leadership, while reaffirming the University’s commitment to supporting the department’s future ambitions.

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Our Anniversary Celebrations in Oxford

In September 2025, almost 200 alumni, colleagues, staff, and students joined in person and online to celebrate 25 years of the Department. 

 

Hosted by Head of Department, David Doyle, and Director of the Reuters Institute and the Director of our Journalist Programmes, Mitali Mukherjee, it was an evening of huge celebration and reconnection featuring personal stories and reflections of Celebrating Politics and International Relations at Oxford.

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Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford Professor Irene Tracey's welcome message from the DPIR 25th Anniversary Event in Oxford

As part of our celebrations, we are delighted to share below our special anniversary edition of our alumni magazine, InsPIRes.

 

 

QS WORLD RANKINGS FOR POLITICS & INT’L STUDIES: 2

BEST UK UNIVERSITIES FOR POLITICS – THE GUARDIAN: 1

THE WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS FOR POLITICS AND INT’L STUDIES: 1 IN THE UK