The sub-field of public encounters has significant untapped potential to advance the study and practice of citizen-state relationships. The main aim of this special issue is to put the spotlight on this growing literature on relational dynamics between citizens and agents of the state. In this editorial introduction, we synthesise emerging empirical and conceptual insights across the special issue articles and wider literature to explain the profound real-world impact of public encounters and highlight the added value of public encounters as an analytical lens. We identify three cross-cutting avenues for studying public encounters: recognising recurrent encounters, clarifying relational dynamics, and recasting politics, power, and emotion. We make the case that extant scholarship can no longer afford to keep ignoring or eliding public encounters. By highlighting the practical and conceptual significance of public encounters, this editorial contributes to developing an interdisciplinary agenda for studying and improving citizen-state relationships.

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Find all the articles on Public Encounters in Social Policy and Administration