Social Sciences Seminar
Social Sciences Seminar
Social Sciences (left)
About the Social Sciences Seminar
Established in 2021, the Department of Social Science's annual Social Sciences Seminar has quickly grown into a leading platform for advancing research in security studies with a strong emphasis on practical application in the field. In just a few short years, the conference has expanded to host over 200 participants, reflecting its wide appeal across a broad spectrum of professionals and scholars. Attendees represent a diverse cross-section of those engaged in security studies, including government officials, public and private sector experts, higher education faculty and students, as well as members of leading think tanks.
The conference draws participants from both domestic and international spheres, creating a rich environment for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. With a commitment to fostering innovative research and actionable insights, the conference continues to provide a unique space for addressing contemporary challenges in security studies and shaping future approaches to the field.
Social Sciences Seminar 2025
Information about this year's seminarConference Committee
COL Jordan Becker
Chair
Colonel Jordan Becker is an Associate Professor of International Relations at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, where he teaches courses in international security, international relations, and comparative politics in the Department of Social Sciences. Additionally, he serves as Director of the Social Sciences Research Lab. Jordan’s research focuses on the political economy of security, European politics, and transatlantic security. He has published articles on transatlantic burden-sharing, the political economy of European security, and China-Europe-US strategic interactions. COL Becker holds a Ph.D. in war studies from King’s College London and Master’s Degrees from Sciences Po and Columbia University.
Dr. Scott Limbocker
Co-Chair
Dr. Scott Limbocker is an Associate Professor of American Politics at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He also is the Deputy of the Sosh Research Lab. He teaches courses in American politics and research methods. He serves as the course director for SS360, Political Science Research Methods, and directs the American Politics Thesis Program. Dr. Limbocker’s research focuses on the American executive branch and how the heterogeneity of employees within the federal government shapes the policy outcomes produced by agencies. Dr. Limbocker holds a PhD in political science from Vanderbilt University as well as two Master’s in political science.
Featured Partners
The Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy
Brussels School of Governance
The John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding
Dartmouth College
The Modeling Emergent Social Order (MESO) Lab
The Ohio State University
FAQs
There is no registration cost to attend the Social Sciences Seminar. However, all participants must secure their own lodging and transportation to West Point to attend the conference.
The call for papers period typically goes from July 1st to September 1st, annually.
Yes! The conference is open to participants from across the public and private sector. After applying, selected participants will receive instructions on how to apply for credentials to access West Point for the duration of the conference.