Call for Abstract

We are inviting a number of high-profile academics of International Relations to give keynote speeches and address topics in the plenary session. This event will be attended by academics (established and young scholars) and government, international organizations and civil society representatives from Asian countries and beyond. We are calling for abstracts with specific focuses on the topics that are in line with the panels.

We suggest the abstract consists of 250-300 words and is written in the following structure: name (s) and affiliation of author (s), title of paper, the designated panel to participate, background (context, urgency), objective and specific aim, analytical question, method, early finding (if any).

Political Economy

This panel examines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution deepens global economic inequality amid technological gaps and geopolitical tensions.

Climate Crisis

This panel examines the implications of a second US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and broader challenges in global climate governance.

Soft Power, Media, & Pop Culture

This panel examines how power shapes global media, highlighting challenges to Western narratives and the role of alternative media and soft power.

Indonesia Foreign Policy

This panel explores Indonesia’s bebas-aktif foreign policy in a multipolar order, evaluating its effectiveness and strategic relevance amid great power competition.

War & Peace

This panel examines contemporary conflicts, the roles of great and lesser powers, and emerging peace initiatives in global politics.

Gender Equality, Disability, & Social Inclusion

This panel examines the backlash against Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and strategies to safeguard and advance it in contemporary politics.

Global South Challenges

This panel questions traditional North–South divides by examining shared governance challenges in contemporary global politics.

Student Panel

We also welcome undergraduate students to present their academic ideas regarding international relations and global affairs.

Great Power Politics

This panel examines great power rivalries and global flashpoints, focusing on escalation risks and the positioning of lesser powers.

New Modes of Cooperation

This panel examines the emerging international order by analyzing shifts from multilateralism to minilateralism and their implications for global governance and lesser powers.

ASEAN & Southeast Asia

This panel examines challenges to ASEAN’s relevance and explores pathways to strengthen its future role amid regional crises and minilateralism.

Open for Other Panels

We also welcome partners, institutions, and agencies to propose their own panel on the ICON-IR 2026.