Joel Martinsson

Assistant Professor in Political Science

Joel Martinsson

What should we do when we face impossible choices? And what do we actually do? These questions drive my research. I study how people — politicians, public servants, citizens — navigate ethical dilemmas when values clash and there are no clear right answers. From parliamentarians wrestling with issues of powerlessness to first responders making split-second decisions during crises, I explore the gap between ethical ideals and a far more complex reality.

Why does this matter? Because understanding how people actually handle dilemmas can foster greater dialogue and understanding between professionals and citizens in order to strengthen democracy.

Currently developing Saving of Swedovia, a simulation game exploring ethical decision-making in crises.

Find me online
Joel Martinsson
~ Linnaeus University, Sweden
Research Foundation

Political Ethics & Democratic Governance

My research on ethics, transparency, and accountability in democratic politics

Dissertation → Book

When Political Ethics Meets Political Practice

Dilemmas, Virtues & Vices in the Swedish Parliament

Drawing on 74 in-depth interviews with Swedish parliamentarians, my dissertation explores how politicians navigate ethical dilemmas of transparency, honesty, and compromise. Through this analysis, I argue for the importance of three new analytical concepts: the ethical sphere in which the dilemma occurs, the optics of the action taken, and how politicians have demarcated their responsibility.

📚
Coming from Routledge Currently under contract, being developed into: The Everyday Ethics of Politics: How Politicians Think About Dilemmas & Why You Should Care
Read dissertation →
Featured Article

Dilemmas of Powerlessness

British Journal of Political Science

The paper that introduced "powerlessness" as a central concept in understanding political ethics. Published in one of the field's leading journals.

"The most challenging ethical dilemmas for politicians stem mainly from powerlessness, not from choosing between good and evil."
Read article →
Recent Research

Political Judgment Above Transparency?

Governance

A mixed-method study with 1,659 Swedish politicians exploring how transparency affects their cooperation with interest organizations. The findings reveal that politicians prioritize independent political judgment over transparency concerns.

"Most politicians seem to think that close cooperation [with interest organizations] is not primarily a transparency issue that requires public scrutiny but rather a matter of political judgment."
Read article →
Research Output

Publications

View all on Google Scholar
Pedagogy

Teaching

Teaching is important to me. I am convinced that students learn best through active engagement rather than passive instruction. Equally important, I believe that learning should be enjoyable. In courses like political theory, public administration, and methods, I incorporate interactive workshops to create a dynamic and fun learning experience. I am always eager to explore new teaching techniques—feel free to reach out if you have ideas or are interested in collaborating.

Methods Workshop

From Laughter to Learning

Journal of Political Science Education

How can we make methods courses more engaging? This peer-reviewed article presents an interactive workshop approach that transforms how students learn research methods—combining narrative, creativity, and fun to deepen understanding.

Read article →
Political Theory Workshop

Linnékongressen

Building Political Parties

How can we challenge students to think big and stay practical at the same time? In this interactive workshop, students form their own political parties based on various ideologies. The goal is to create parties that are both attractive to voters and true to their chosen ideologies.

Download instructions (Swedish) →
Political Theory Debate

Linnédebatten

Sex, Politics, and Power

What should be open to political debate, and what falls beyond its scope? Inspired by Amia Srinivasan's "The Right to Sex," students debate provocative propositions like: Should penalties for sexual crimes be dramatically increased? Should violent pornography be banned? Should buying and selling sex be illegal?

Download instructions (Swedish) →
Thoughts & Reflections

Blog

Occasional writings on political ethics, research, teaching, and academic life.

March 11, 2026

Three Questions Every PhD Candidate Should Ask Themselves

Instead of offering deterministic advice, I share three questions every PhD student should grapple with — drawn from my own experience researching and publishing during my doctorate.

Read post →
View all posts
Get in Touch

Let's Connect

Interested in collaborating on research, discussing political ethics, or exploring how we might work together? I would love to hear from you.

✉️ Email me joel.martinsson@lnu.se Add me on LinkedIn Follow me on Bluesky @jmartinsson.bsky.social 📍 Visit me in Växjö Linnaeus University