Illustration: Anna Ileby
23 Apr 2026
Benhabib is honoured for “examining how justice is possible in a world of constant human mobility, with deep respect for the rights of both individuals and states.”
The political theorist Seyla Benhabib, Eugene Meyer Professor of Political Science and Philosophy at Yale University, is the 2026 this year’s recipient of the Skytte Prize in Political Science.
Benhabib, whose scholarly work lies within political philosophy, is honoured for “examining how justice is possible in a world of constant human mobility, with deep respect for the rights of both individuals and states.”
Her contribution to political science addresses several highly topical political issues concerning how individuals’ rights to respect and dignity should be handled by sovereign states with the right to decide who may settle permanently and obtain citizenship. Through her pragmatic and deliberative approach to these issues, the prize committee stresses that Benhabib’s contribution is highly relevant for politicians, the general public, and other scholars alike, with strong political significance.
The most prestigious prize in Political Science
The Skytte Prize in Political Science is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in political science in the world. Previous laureates include Elinor Ostrom, Robert Dahl, and Jürgen Habermas.
The prize is awarded annually by the Skytte Foundation to the individual or individuals who have produced “the most outstanding research” in political science. It consists of a monetary award of 500,000 SEK and a medal, funded by the donation established in 1622 by Privy Councillor Johan Skytte for a professorship in eloquence and government at Uppsala University.
Seyla Benhabib, together with last year’s winner Herbert P. Kitschelt, will receive their prize at a ceremony in Uppsala on October 10 this year.
Read the full motivation here.
Contact information
Markus Sjölén
+46 736 56 88 03