The development of political theory at postgraduate level and growth in academic staff numbers has created the critical mass to found a research group.  The group organizes its activities collectively, and its work focuses on issues around contemporary pluralism, liberalism, democratic theory and radical politics.  It brings together staff working in contemporary Continental philosophy, normative political theory, and American pragmatism, and its postgraduate members include two students on the College’s most prestigious studentship, the Reid Award.  The group also has ties to the College’s Philosophy Team and the interdepartmental Humanities and Arts Research Centre.  Its first year saw the establishment of a successful reading group exploring the theme of pluralism and will conclude with visits by two internationally renowned political philosophers, Professor Jane Bennett in May, and Professor William E. Connolly in June.  A one day conference on “The Margins of Citizenship” is planned for November, in collaboration with the Department of Politics, University of Leicester.