Call for Papers: ISA-AP New Delhi 2026 on From the Margins to the Helm: The Global South and the Future of the Asia-Pacific Regional Order, Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
New Delhi, India
November 28-30, 2026
Submission Deadline: April 30
Conference Rationale
The Asia-Pacific region is now experiencing significant transformation in power dynamics. Following periods of colonial subjugation and relative marginalization during the Cold War era, countries in the Global South – such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations – are increasingly reshaping both regional and global political and economic landscapes. This shift is further bolstered by the collective assertion of emerging coalitions such as BRICS.
Amid this resurgence, the international order is undergoing profound instability due to a series of interconnected challenges. These encompass geopolitical tensions underscored by the escalating rivalry between the US and China, the Russia–Ukraine war, conflicts in West Asia, environmental crises such as climate change and resource depletion, and socioeconomic issues like democratic backsliding, trade disputes, and the widening global inequality.
In this context, the ISA–Asia Pacific Conference 2026 invites scholars to critically examine whether and how the Global South can emerge as a driving force in establishing a sustainable regional order in the Asia-Pacific. The conference will explore a broad spectrum of issues related to peace and security, development, environmental and socioeconomic challenges, as well as reforms in regional and global governance structures.
Sub-Themes
1. Rising Powers, Geopolitical Tensions, and Shifting Regional/Global Order
This theme delves into the emergence of new powers, particularly in the Global South and the resulting reconfiguration of global power dynamics, which heightens geopolitical competitions. It examines contemporary geopolitical challenges – such as the escalating US–China rivalry, the Russia–Ukraine war, conflicts across wider Asia, and deepening trade frictions between the US and emerging powers- while analyzing political, security, and economic impacts of these developments on Asia-Pacific regional order and beyond. Additionally, the theme addresses the growing crisis of multilateralism and the urgent call for reform in global governance institutions like the UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO to better reflect current power realities. Topics might include strategic and military competition, economic statecraft and trade politics, techno-geopolitics, contestation over international norms, and debates on legitimacy, equity, and inclusion in global governance.
2. Development Pathways and Sustainable Growth
This theme invites analysis of alternative development trajectories emerging from the Global South, moving beyond Western-centric models. Contributions may examine topics such as South–South cooperation, inclusive and sustainable growth strategies, poverty reduction, industrialization, and digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific. Attention may also be given to the historical roots of development thinking, the legacy of colonial economic structures, and indigenous development philosophies.
3. Climate Change, Anthropocene, and Environmental Governance
This theme addresses the disparate effects of climate change and environmental degradation in the Asia-Pacific region. It encompasses topics such as adaptation and mitigation strategies, climate justice, disaster governance, and sustainable resource management. Contributions may also explore the Anthropocene as both a conceptual and political challenge, indigenous ecological knowledge, and cultural responses to environmental change.
4. Peace, Security, and Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific
This theme delves into both traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Topics of interest may include intensifying military competitions among regional powers, maritime security, terrorism, cybersecurity, disaster relief, and environmental security concerns. Contributions might also cover the development and prospects of regional security cooperation and institutions, such as ASEAN, ASEAN-led institutions, the SCO, the Quad, and other collaborative initiatives in the region.
5. Society, Inequality, History, and Human Security
This theme focuses on social transformations shaping sustainable and peaceful futures in the Asia-Pacific. Topics might include migration, labor markets, inequality, gender justice, health, pandemics, and human security. Contributions might examine the history of war and peace in the Asia-Pacific, colonial and post-colonial legacies, cultural and artistic expressions, and academic collaboration across regions, highlighting how historical memory and culture influence contemporary cooperation and conflict.
6. India, South Asia, and Regional Cooperation
This theme focuses on India’s leadership role in South Asia and its implications for regional and global politics. Contributions may examine SAARC, BIMSTEC, and sub-regional cooperation frameworks, connectivity initiatives, development partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. Historical legacies of colonialism, partition, and regional conflicts provide important context for understanding cooperation and contestation. Contributions might also address culture, migration, gender, and human security in South Asia.
7. BRICS and South–South Cooperation for a Sustainable Future
This theme invites a critical examination of BRICS as a leadership platform in the Global South. Topics for exploration might include the expansion of BRICS, the New Development Bank, development finance, trade, energy, technology, and cultural cooperation. Contributions might also evaluate BRICS’s potential to provide alternatives to existing global economic structures and its inherent limitations.
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
For more details, refer here
