Michael Saward

Michael Saward is a Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, where he has served since October 2012. He previously held positions at the Open University (12 years, including Head of Department roles) and Royal Holloway, University of London. His research focuses on contemporary democratic theory, political representation, and the intersection of politics and performance. He has authored influential works such as The Representative Claim (winner of the 2020 George H. Hallett Prize) and Democratic Design (winner of the 2023 W.J.M Mackenzie Book Prize). Saward has collaborated internationally, including with institutions in Mexico, Brazil, and Australia. He co-edited interdisciplinary volumes like the Oxford Handbook of Politics and Performance and led the EU-funded ENACT project. His current work explores performance in democratic representation and political ideas' practical applications. He has held a Leverhulme Trust Major Research Fellowship (2016–2019) and serves as a Consulting Editor for The Encyclopedia of Democracy.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Australian National University
• PhD from the University of Essex

Research Interests:
Saward’s work centers on democratic theory, including representation dynamics, political performance, and institutional design. He critiques and expands theories of democracy, emphasizing practical applications such as ‘slow democracy’ and the role of art/curatorial practices in democratic engagement. His global collaborations and edited volumes reflect an emphasis on interdisciplinary dialogue and transnational citizenship.

Grants & Awards:

• Leverhulme Trust Major Research Fellowship (2016–2019)
• George H. Hallett Prize (2020)
• W.J.M Mackenzie Book Prize (2023)

Advising & Leadership:

• Directed the Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Centre (2013–2016)
• Advisees include scholars in democratic theory and representation studies (specific names unlisted here)

Labs/Teams:
Interdisciplinary collaborations with Warwick’s Theatre and Performance departments, the ENACT project, and international partnerships in Mexico and Brazil. Active in curating politically engaged art exhibitions (e.g., Tate Liverpool’s Democracies).