Founded in 1984 in Cambridge, United Kingdom, Polity Press has established itself as one of the most respected independent academic publishers in the fields of social sciences and humanities. Over the past four decades, the press has built a reputation for intellectual rigor, editorial precision, and a commitment to publishing works that shape contemporary academic and public debates.
Polity was founded by a group of scholars, most notably the British sociologist Anthony Giddens, alongside David Held and John B. Thompson. What began as an ambitious scholarly initiative—without prior publishing experience—soon evolved into a globally recognized academic imprint. The founders envisioned a publishing house that would bridge cutting-edge research with accessible scholarly discourse, and that mission continues to define Polity’s editorial philosophy.
Headquartered in Cambridge, with additional offices in Oxford and the United States (including New York and Boston), Polity operates internationally, reaching readers, researchers, and institutions across the world.
Polity specializes primarily in:
Sociology
Political theory and political science
Philosophy
History
Media and cultural studies
International relations
Economics and social theory
The press publishes both advanced scholarly monographs and accessible textbooks widely adopted in universities. Its catalog includes foundational theoretical works as well as contemporary analyses addressing globalization, democracy, identity politics, social change, and digital transformation.
Polity’s books are used extensively in higher education institutions worldwide. Many of its publications have become essential references in their respective disciplines, contributing significantly to academic discourse and public intellectual life. The press collaborates with international distributors, ensuring global accessibility to its titles.
A distinguishing feature of Polity is its ability to combine scholarly depth with clarity of presentation. Its publications often appeal not only to academics but also to intellectually engaged general readers interested in critical social and political issues.
Throughout its history, Polity has maintained a strong commitment to publishing innovative and forward-looking scholarship. The press has consistently engaged with emerging debates, from globalization and neoliberalism to digital society and climate politics. By fostering dialogue between established scholars and new voices, Polity continues to play a vital role in shaping twenty-first-century intellectual thought.
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