Dr. Ann Towns

Professor

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Biography

Ann Towns is a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg, specializing in social hierarchies, power, and norms in international politics with a particular focus on gender. She earned her PhD in Political Science from the University of Minnesota in 2004 under the supervision of Kathryn Sikkink. Towns has engaged in extensive international research and held visiting scholar positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Cambridge. Her publication record includes her acclaimed book 'Women, States, and Norms: The Hierarchies of International Society' and numerous articles in prominent journals including International Studies Quarterly and Cooperation & Conflict. Towns has received several distinguished awards for her work, including the 2026 Distinguished Scholars Award from the American Political Science Association. She is also the lead investigator of the GenDip research program, which examines gender norms in international diplomacy and institutions. In addition to her research, Towns is an enthusiastic educator, teaching courses on international politics and supervising doctoral students.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2014-01-01 — Present

University of Gothenburg • Gothenburg, Sweden

Teaching and conducting research in the field of Political Science, focusing on international relations and gender norms.

Assistant Professor

2004-01-01 — 2014-01-01

University of Delaware • Newark, Delaware, USA

Conducted research and taught courses related to political science with a focus on gender studies.

Awards

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Distinguished Scholars Award

2026-01-01
#

Bertha Lutz Award

2018-01-01
#

Susan N. Northcutt Award

2025-01-01

Requirements for University of Gothenburg

Master Program
Requirements
IELTS
Listening
Required:5.5
Reading
Required:5.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:18
Reading
Required:18
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:18
Total
Required:90
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (180 credits) with a major in Political Science English 6/English B from Swedish upper secondary school
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Identification document
  • Statement of Intent (if applicable for specific tracks)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Department of Political Science; focus on International Administration and Global Governance (IAGG).