CONFERENCE 2024


CALL FOR PAPERS

for

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

organized by

University of Eastern Finland

together with

Nagasaki University, Zayed University, University of Canterbury,

and

International Political Science Association

Research Committee on Security, Conflict and Democratization (RC44) and

Research Committee on Climate Security and Planetary Politics (RC52)

on

Fostering Human Security in a 

Multipolar World 


25-26 October 2024, 06:00 - 15:00 UTC (GMT, Universal Time), and 09:00-18:00 (EEST, Finland Time) 

at University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland (and online)


Concept

　The contemporary global security scene is one of pronounced unpredictability and a complex combination of conflict, environmental crisis, and hybrid security threats confronting national societies. Moreover, while global concerns demand greater cooperation between states, international organizations, and civil societies, we are also seeing moves towards a more insular and bordered view of the world. In several cases, support for multilateralism is waning. At the core of much of this present turmoil are dramatic regional inequalities about human security and, thus, the socio-economic, cultural, health-related, environmental, and social conditions necessary for human flourishing.

　With this conference, we will address the need for a broader view of security regarding potential international and regional cooperation and a deeper understanding of (in)securities that impact everyday life locally. At the same time, we will also focus on possible cooperation scenarios and the conditions affecting their realization. While achieving equitable and de-centered forms of global governance appears daunting, different multi-actor and multilevel forms of cooperation across borders could promote learning, adaptation, and trust-building and provide resources for promoting human security.

　We welcome papers addressing, but not limited to, the following subthemes: 


　In the quest for a more comprehensive understanding of security, exploring alternative frameworks that extend beyond traditional state-centric approaches is imperative. This process involves analyzing the intersections between human-centric perspectives, environmental insecurities, and hybrid security threats, paving the way for more nuanced and effective security strategies.


　The landscape of global governance is fraught with obstacles that impede practical cooperation on a worldwide scale. From the erosion of multilateralism to regional inequalities, these challenges hinder cohesive global governance structures. Moreover, insular and bordered worldviews complicate international cooperation efforts, necessitating critical examination of these dynamics to foster more inclusive and effective governance mechanisms.


　Regional disparities profoundly impact human security outcomes across different geographical areas. By examining the nexus between regional inequalities and various dimensions of human security, including socio-economic, cultural, health-related, and environmental conditions, researchers can develop strategies to address disparities and promote conditions conducive to human flourishing at regional and local levels.


Enhancing human security in an interconnected world requires fostering multilevel cooperation across borders. By exploring avenues for multi-actor and multilevel forms of cooperation, stakeholders can develop more effective responses to shared challenges. This process entails analyzing learning, adaptation, and trust-building processes among diverse stakeholders to facilitate cooperation mechanisms that address security concerns at various levels of governance.


Adapting to hybrid security challenges is paramount as security threats continue to evolve. Cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and transnational crime pose significant risks that demand innovative strategies and resilience-building measures. By identifying these threats and implementing adaptive responses, communities can enhance their ability to mitigate risks and maintain resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.

These subthemes offer in-depth analysis and discussion opportunities, providing a focused approach to addressing the complexities of fostering human security in a multipolar world.

* Convening times are in the Finnish (East European Summer Time,  EEST). Double check your local time with the Global Standard UTC TIme and your local time. You can use this link to confirm your local times: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Important dates

Abstract submission deadline is 31 May 2024 only through the Abstract Submission Form below or in the following link.
Abstract Submission Form: IPSA RC Conference 2024-10

Registration opens 15 June

Registration final date 15 July

Full papers are due on 10 October 2024. Papers should be in the Chicago 19 style, best with in-text citations. All papers should be sent in MS Word format to: cmplrad@nagasaki-u.ac.jp

Conference will take place on 25-26 October 2024, and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) indications prevail in case of time discrepancy (warning: Finland's summer time will change to EET winter time three days after the conference).

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and other times are also exhibited, and further times can be found here:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html


Venue

The whole conference will be held onsite in Joensuu (Finland) and online over ZOOM hosted by the organizing committee. If you have concerns about connectivity, let us know.


Instructions

Microphone should be muted when listening, and can be un-muted only when speaking.

To request your turn to speak, raise your hand or send a message through Zoom Chat.   

Because of the extreme time differences, all panel chairs are requested to stick to the original timetable.

The participation application form may be closed before the deadline, when the number of applicants reaches the conference limit.


Expenses

The general conference fee will be uniform 75 USD. 

Food, snacks and drinks will not be provided.


Travel Scholarship

There will be a limited scholarship available. However, it will be awarded only to a few individuals and the amount will be very small with the preference for PhD students, post-docs and early academics from the Global South countries (as defined by IPSA). 

Audience

A number of participants without presentations will be welcome to participate as audience. For registration, fill in the same form as presenters, indicating your preference not to present.

Forms

Form address: docs.google.com/forms

Organizing committee

James Scott, University of Eastern Finland, Finland

Radomir Compel, NURECSA, Nagasaki University, Japan

Hamdy Hassan, Zayed University, UAE

Steven Ratuva, MBC, University of Canterbury, New Zealand


Supporting institutions:

University of Eastern Finland

Nagasaki University, STAR Research Platform for Collective Survival in the Anthropocene (NURECSA)

University of Canterbury, Macmillan Brown Center for Pacific Studies (MBC)

IPSA Research Committee on Security, Conflict and Democratization (RC44) 

IPSA Research Committee on Climate Security and Planetary Politics (RC52)


Contact

In case you need further assistance, please contact us at cmplrad<a>gmail.com.