The rise of China and its impact on international affairs have been the focus of numerous publications and academic debates around the world. This Conference seeks to move this discussion beyond the intellectual boundaries of well-established theories and mainstream academic discourse. The assessment of Chinese influence on the international system and China’s potential status as a global hegemon calls for inclusive, multidisciplinary approaches. It also requires examining China’s international behaviour in the light of its cultural heritage.

We would like to propose the following research questions:

1. How far do Chinese political traditions determine the decision-making process in the P.R.C.?
2. What are the domestic and global determinants of China’s contemporary international strategy and foreign policy?
3. How can China’s approach towards international rules and institutions be interpreted through Western and non-Western intellectual traditions?
4. What are the consequences of China’s rise for liberal democracies and the liberal world order?
5. What are the major mutual perceptions of China and the West in international political discourse?
6. What are the patterns of China’s current bilateral relations with other international players?

We invite scholars in China Studies and IR to contribute to an interdisciplinary discussion on the role of China in international relations. We welcome papers presenting various perspectives of global academic discourse relating to the above-mentioned research questions.

• Individual research paper – an individual research presentation on any topic that relates to one of the research questions listed above. The abstract should not exceed 250 words, and the presentation should fit into a 20-minute address.
• Panel – a group of four or five scholars led by a moderator to discuss a specific topic relating to one of the research questions listed above that will result in one or more papers. A paper proposal should not exceed 300 words and the whole discussion, inclusive of individual presentations, should not exceed 120 minutes.
• Roundtable – an opportunity for a group of scholars to discuss a particular issue in depth relating to one of the research questions listed above without the constraints of having to present a paper. A roundtable submission described in no more than 300 words should include a minimum of five participants and a chair.

All submissions of individual papers, panels and roundtable proposals will be peer reviewed by the Conference Scientific Committee. Working in thematic groups, the committee will collect, accept or reject submissions, as well as contact applicants for further discussion should ideas for any new panels arise based on the submissions received.

All applicants will receive a response to their proposals.

Diversity and equal opportunity  – the organizers of the Conference strongly support diversity of gender, ethnicity and career stage and encourage those proposing panels and roundtables to take such values into consideration.

The conference will be organised in hybrid form, with participants both on-site in Warsaw, and online. If global health situation permits, we strongly suggest for presenters to arrange for a personal visit to Poland. The first day of the Conference will take place at the SWPS University and the second day at the University of Warsaw. 

We propose a series of guided activities during your stay at the Conference:

• Pre-conference morning walk or run (for joggers) through the Royal Lazienki Museum Park
• Pre-conference Warsaw World War 2 sightseeing walk (Polin Museum and Warsaw Uprising Museum)
• Pre-conference pub reception and beer tasting
• Post-conference cultural event.

More details will be provided at a later stage. We will make sure your stay in Poland is not only academically stimulating but it is also a memorable experience with a good time to enjoy together.