BISA was established in 1975, making it one of the longest established subject associations in the discipline of International Studies; ISA is the largest such association in the world. For only the second time in their history they will be holding a joint conference. This will bring together scholars from across the world, at all career stages, in probably the largest International Studies conference ever held in Europe.

Call for papers

Contemporary international relations is shaped by a series of global challenges. These include the financial crisis, political revolution in the Middle East, rising powers from the Global South, concerns over terrorism and the projection of Western military power. Alliances are being reconfigured, institutions are evolving and security is being articulated in new ways.

In addressing these issues, International Studies is characterised by diversity. We invite papers and panels which explore this diversity, particularly in relation to how competing approaches define and understand contemporary global challenges, and how those competing approaches have led to quite different proposals for responding to those challenges.

We welcome proposals for panels which consist of a diverse grouping of scholars from various countries and regions, from different career stages and which represent both genders. Joint submissions from ISA Sections and BISA working groups are warmly encouraged.

Location The conference will be held at two hotels on the Royal Mile, the mediaeval heart of Edinburgh with the Castle at one end and Holyrood the other, and in the historic Scotsman hotel overlooking Princes Street Gardens and the Scott Memorial. Edinburgh is a UNESCO city of culture, home to the International Festival and Fringe. The conference will be held at the same time as the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Royal Highland Show.

Deadlines for proposals Panels, papers and roundtables: proposals by 1st September 2011 Submit proposals via the bisa website conference pages, here or copy and paste this link into your web browser http://www.bisa.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=203&catid=35&Itemid=63

Contacts Please check the BISA conference pages (link above) for advice before emailing any of the following contacts

Joint Programme Chairs - Prof Colin McInnes (BISA) and Prof Karen Rasler (ISA) email: bisa-isa2012@isanet.org. (For enquiries about panels, papers and roundtable and conference programme generally)

Conference Organiser - Gail Birkett (BISA) email: bisa-conference@aber.ac.uk (For more general conference enquiries about venues, hotels, travel etc)