CALL FOR PAPERS
Centre for International Politics, Organization and Disarmament (CIPOD)
School of International Studies
Jawaharlal Nehru University
is organising
Young Scholars' Seminar
Rethinking Power in International Relations
26–27 October 2026 | JNU, New Delhi
The contemporary international system is experiencing one of the most significant redistributions of power since the end of the Cold War. While material capabilities are diffusing across regions, authority over international norms, rules, and institutions remains concentrated among established powers. Emerging powers seek not merely greater representation but also greater influence over the principles governing global politics. Power is no longer defined solely by military superiority or economic dominance; it increasingly rests on the capacity to shape institutions, construct norms, influence global narratives, and determine the rules governing international interactions. Emerging powers are not merely seeking greater participation within the existing order; they are actively contesting, reforming, and co-creating the architecture of global governance. Whether through institutional innovation, development partnerships, digital governance, climate diplomacy, or normative leadership, these states are redefining the contours of international authority. Understanding this transformation is essential for explaining the dynamics of contemporary world politics and anticipating the character of the future international order. This seminar seeks to foster rigorous scholarly engagement with these debates and to provide a platform for young researchers to contribute to one of the most significant intellectual and policy conversations of our time.
Themes
● Bharatiya Approaches to Power in International Relations
● Emerging Powers and the Transformation of Global Order
● Institutions as creators of International Norms
● Hard, Soft, Smart, Structural, Relational and Network Power
● Regional Leadership and Global Aspirations
● Strategic Autonomy and Multi-Alignment
● Technology and New Forms of Power
● Climate, Energy and Structural Power
The seminar invites young scholars, doctoral researchers, post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty to submit original research papers.
Submission Guidelines
• Abstract should be 300-350 words and sent to cipodysc[at]gmail[dot]com
• Include the paper title, author’s name (s), Institutional affiliation, designation, email address and 4-5 keywords
• Abstract should clearly indicate the research question, methodology and key findings or arguments
• Selected participants will be invited to submit full papers.
• Full paper should normally be 5000-6000 words and follow APA citation style.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission: 27 September 2026
Acceptance Communication: 2 October 2026
Full Paper Submission: 23 October 2026