ICIS — International Conference on International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia
Call for papers — now open
The 11th International Conference on International Studies

ICIS2026

Shifting Geopolitics, Rising Power and the Return of Walls:
De-Globalisation or Re-Globalisation?

2–3 December 2026
School of International Studies, UUM
06°28′N 100°30′E · Sintok
Hybrid — on campus & online
Deadline extended
14 August 2026 29 August 2026
Abstract submission closes in 29 August 2026
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Edition 11th
Days 2
Parallel sessions 12
Workshops 2
Mode Hybrid
About the conference

A world of shifting power
and returning walls.

The 11th International Conference on International Studies convenes at a moment when great-power rivalry, unilateralism, and expansionism are reshaping world order — from the war in Ukraine, Iran and the U.S.–China “dual-hegemon” competition to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and a United Nations marginalised by “multipolarity without multilateralism.”

As the paradigm of conflict shifts from conventional war to contests of trade, technology, capital, and smart power, ICIS 2026 asks how international politics and the global economy can be governed to promote geopolitical, geostrategic, and geoeconomic stability — and whether an exploitative system can transform toward a more collaborative, inclusive direction.

Could the current global political-economic system transform towards a more collaborative and inclusive direction? Join the debate.
Why join
  • Share research with local & international scholars, practitioners and graduate students
  • Indexed publications, high-quality edited volumes & peer-reviewed proceedings
  • High-level academic networking & international research collaboration
Speakers

To be announced

Keynote speakers and the forum panel are being confirmed. This page updates the moment each name is locked in — check back, or follow SoIS UUM for the announcement.

Keynote 1
To be decided

Opening keynote on Day 1, delivered alongside the officiating ceremony.

Awaiting confirmation
Keynote 2
To be decided

Second keynote, opening the Day 2 programme.

Awaiting confirmation
Forum panel
To be decided

Panellists for the Shifting Geopolitics Forum on Day 1.

Awaiting confirmation
Key deadlines

Important dates

01
29 Aug 2026
Abstract submission
Extended
02
4 Sep 2026
Notification of acceptance
03
14 Oct 2026
Full paper submission
04
24 Nov 2026
Registration closes
Call for papers

Sub-themes & tracks

We welcome papers, panels and posters across a broad range of disciplinary and thematic areas, including but not limited to:

Politics & Government International Relations International Law International Political Economy International Business Comparative Politics Security & Defence Studies Diplomacy & Foreign Policy Peace Studies & Conflict Transformation International & Regional Organisations Global Management FDI & International Trade International Supply Chain & Logistics Non-Traditional Security Corporate & Business Law Environment & Sustainability International Entrepreneurship Cross-Cultural Management Multinational Corporations

…plus regional studies — Middle East, African, Asian, European, North & Latin American, Pacific — and more.

Two steps, two forms

How to join

Submitting an abstract and registering are separate forms — you only pay once your abstract is accepted.

Step 01

Submit your abstract

Send your title, abstract and author details by 29 August 2026 — extended from 14 August. Free — no payment at this stage.

Abstract form →
Step 02

Wait for acceptance

Decisions are sent by 4 September 2026 to the email address you submitted with. Keep the reference in that email.

Step 03

Register & upload payment

Pay your fee and upload the payment proof in the registration form. Open 4 September – 24 November 2026.

Registration form →
Attending without presenting? Skip step 1 — listening participants go straight to the registration form. Use the same email address on both forms so we can match your payment to your abstract.
Registration

Conference fees

Presenters

MYR / USD
LocalMYR 550
InternationalUSD 200
Malaysian university studentMYR 300
Foreign university studentUSD 100
UUM staffMYR 350

Listening participants

MYR / USD
LocalMYR 350
InternationalUSD 100
Malaysian university studentMYR 250
Foreign university studentUSD 80
UUM staffMYR 300

Student rates apply to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Abstracts, full papers and presentations must be in English.

Live online presentation and participation are available.

Fee enquiries: sois.icis2026@gmail.com

After the conference

Where your paper can land

Papers are published in the ICIS 2026 e-Proceeding. Selected papers may be considered for Scopus-indexed journals:

JISJournal of International Studies (Malaysia)
MJIRMalaysian Journal of International Relations
JASJournal of ASEAN Studies

…and other peer-reviewed journals.

Who should attend

Presenters — open to all interested individuals, groups, agencies and organizations, for individual papers or panel discussions.

Participants — scholars, researchers, practitioners, students, and co-researchers / co-authors. Graduate research students are encouraged to present in dedicated Graduate Students panels.

Tentative schedule

Programme at a glance

Day 1Wed · 2 December 2026

Arrival of participants and VIPs

Welcoming speech — Vice-Chancellor, UUM · Opening address

Keynote 1 & officiating ceremony

Shifting Geopolitics Forum

Lunch break

Parallel Sessions 1–4

Conference dinner

Day 2Thu · 3 December 2026

Keynote 2 · Parallel Sessions 5–8

Workshop 1 — Engaging with your literature: how AI can help you

Lunch break

Workshop 2 — Research funding & grants guide

Parallel Sessions 9–12 (incl. online)

Closing ceremony

Leadership

Organising committee

PatronProfessor Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Utara Malaysia
AdvisorProfessor Dr. Mohd. Azizuddin Mohd Sani Deputy Vice-Chancellor (A&I), Universiti Utara Malaysia
ChairpersonAssoc. Prof. Dr. Nazariah Osman Dean, School of International Studies
DirectorAssoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Najib Mansor
Deputy DirectorAssoc. Prof. Dr. Norafidah Ismail
Sintok · December 2026

Send us your abstract.

School of International Studies, UUM-COLGIS
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