The International System in Transition: Deconstruction or Reconstruction?”
Athens, 19-20 February 2027
Institute of International Relations
In 2027, the Panteion University of Social and Political Studies celebrates one hundred years of continuous contribution to higher education as the oldest higher education institution in Greece dedicated to the social and political sciences. This milestone provides a significant opportunity to promote academic research, strengthen scholarly dialogue, and foster international cooperation in the fields of social and political sciences.
On the occasion of its centennial anniversary, the Department of International and European Studies at Panteion University, in collaboration with the Institute of International Relations (IDIS), is launching the 1st Annual Conference of Young Scholars in International Relations, with the ambition of establishing a lasting academic forum dedicated to promoting scientific research and supporting the next generation of scholars in International Relations and related disciplines.
The Conference aims to serve as a meeting point for young researchers and established academics, encouraging the exchange of ideas, scholarly debate, and the development of academic collaborations that contribute to the advancement of International Relations research in Greece and beyond.
The theme of the inaugural conference, “The International System in Transition: Deconstruction or Reconstruction?”, reflects one of the most significant debates in contemporary International Relations scholarship. Geopolitical realignments, intensifying great power competition, the emergence of new centres of power, technological developments, energy and environmental challenges, and the evolving role of international institutions are fundamentally reshaping the structure and functioning of the international system.
Against this background, the Conference seeks to explore whether these developments represent the gradual erosion of the post-war international order or, alternatively, the emergence of a new international system characterised by different patterns of power, cooperation, and competition.
The Conference welcomes master’s students, doctoral candidates, recent PhD holders, and postdoctoral researchers, providing them with the opportunity to present their research findings, exchange ideas with the academic community, and contribute actively to scholarly discussions on contemporary developments in International Relations.
Suggested Conference Topics
Prospective participants are invited to submit paper abstracts related, but not limited, to the following thematic areas:
- Theory and Methodology in International Relations
- International Relations and Foreign Policy
- National Security and Crisis Management
- International Security, Strategy and Conflict
- European Union and Regional Integration
- Global Governance and International Law
- International Political Economy and Energy Challenges
- Technology, Innovation and Diplomacy
- Climate Change, Sustainability and International Relations
- Culture, Identity and Soft Power
- Regional Studies (Middle East, Indo-Pacific, Black Sea, Caucasus, Africa, Balkans, etc.)
- Connectivity, Infrastructure and International Corridors
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to International Relations
Submission of Abstracts
The working languages of the Conference are Greek and English. Abstracts, full papers and oral presentations may be submitted or delivered in either language.
SUBMISSION FORMAll submitted abstracts will be evaluated by the Conference Scientific Committee on the basis of their academic quality, originality, relevance to the conference theme, and methodological rigor.
Detailed submission guidelines, including formatting requirements, length, and technical specifications, will be published on the Conference website in due course.
| Activity | Date |
| Opening of Abstract Submission | 25 September 2026 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | By 20 December 2026 |
| Registration Fee (€50) | Following abstract acceptance |
| Confirmation of Participation | 10 January 2027 |
| Conference Dates | 19–20 February 2027 |
| Full Paper Submission | By 20 April 2027 |
Benefits of Participation
The Annual Conference of Young Scholars in International Relations aspires to become a leading academic forum for the next generation of researchers, offering valuable opportunities for academic development, scholarly networking, and professional growth.
Participation in the Conference offers:
- Academic Recognition: Present your research before a specialised academic audience and receive valuable feedback from distinguished scholars and researchers.
- Publication Opportunity: Following the Conference and upon successful academic evaluation of the full papers, selected contributions will be published in an electronic edited volume in collaboration with I. Sideris Publications.
- Awards: Awards will be presented for outstanding scholarly contributions. (Final title(s) of the award(s) to be determined.)
- Networking: Build professional relationships with fellow researchers, faculty members, and academics from Greece and abroad.
- Research Collaboration: Explore opportunities for future participation in research projects, study groups, and academic initiatives organised by the Department of International and European Studies and the Institute of International Relations.
- Academic Visibility: Increase the visibility of your research through the official communication channels of the Institute of International Relations (IDIS) and the promotion of selected conference sessions.
- Skills Development: Strengthen your academic presentation, public speaking, and scholarly communication skills.
- Certificate of Participation: All registered participants will receive an official Certificate of Participation.
The Conference aims to establish itself as a permanent annual forum for scholarly dialogue among the new generation of researchers in International Relations, contributing to the production of original knowledge, the strengthening of academic cooperation, and the development of a dynamic network of emerging scholars in Greece and internationally.
Contact
For further information regarding the Conference, the abstract submission process, or any other inquiries, please contact the Organising Committee at:
Institute of International Relations (IDIS)
Hill Street 3–5
176 71 Athens
Greece
Website: https://www.idis.gr
Organising and Scientific Committee
- Professor Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, Panteion University (Convenor)
- Professor Maria-Eleni Koppa, Panteion University
- Professor Kostas Lavdas, Panteion University
- Professor Vassilis Paipais, Panteion University
- Associate Professor Maria-Daniella Marouda, Panteion University
- Associate Professor Nikos Papanastasopoulos, Democritus University of Thrace
- Assistant Professor Aggelos Aggelou, Panteion University
- Assistant Professor Sofia Galani, Panteion University
- Assistant Professor Christos Kourtelis, Panteion University
- Assistant Professor Konstantinos Tsimonis, Panteion University
- Konstantinos Gkinios, Ph.D. Candidate, Panteion University