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For the first time in its history, the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association will take place in Seattle, Washington. Set in a contemporary urban environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the 2011 Annual Meeting and Exhibition will offer something for everyone.

Program chairs Frances Hagopian and Bonnie Honig have developed the theme “The Politics of Rights,” which explores the “domestic, comparative, and international dimensions of the complex politics of rights.” For participants' consideration, the chairs have posed questions such as: Have the advance of democracy and the broadening of citizenship served to advance rights claims for subordinated groups? How are rights framed in struggles among stakeholders, which include corporate and private interests, grass roots and astroturf activists, and governmental and non-governmental organizations? To review the full theme statement, visit the APSA 2011 Annual Meeting website at http://www.apsanet.org/2011.

An anticipated 7,000 political scientists will travel to Seattle to take part in the meeting, which will include more than 800 panels. These sessions are created from a pool of more than 10,000 proposals by members of the program committee, consisting of chairs from 51 divisions and more than 60 related groups spanning the major subfields of political science. For the 2011 meeting, APSA is pleased to announce the addition of the Experimental Research division.

In addition to the panels, meeting highlights will include the presidential address delivered by Carole Pateman, an opening reception, a placement interview service, the awards ceremony, an estimated 200 university and affiliate meetings and receptions, and an exhibition of more than 100 publishers.

Outside of the meeting, attendees will have an opportunity to explore Seattle and surrounding areas. In addition to well-known landmarks such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, Seattle boasts a wide array of museums, cultural attractions, live music venues and outdoor activities—and, of course, the city is the home of the first Starbucks, as well as many independent coffeehouses. Book and architecture lovers alike should see the striking Seattle Central Library. If you have some extra time before or after the meeting, Seattle is just a short distance from breathtaking Mount Rainier, hand-blown glass in Tacoma, and even the charming streets of Victoria, British Columbia.

For the latest information on the 2011 APSA Annual Meeting, including discounted hotel rates and visitor guides, visit http://www.apsanet.org/2011. Registration and housing will open in March.