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19th Pan-European Conference on International Relations

Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon, 1-4 September 2026

In 2026, our flagship event will take place in Portugal, at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, offering a unique vantage point for exploring contemporary international relations. Following the remarkable success of PEC 2025 in Bologna, we will gather in Lisbon's inspiring scholarly environment at the ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Please  note that the submission is closed as of 20 February 2026.

GENERAL INFORMATION & DEADLINES

OVERVIEW OF DEADLINES

11 December 2025 (Thursday) – Abstract Submission Opens

19 February 2026 (Thursday) – Abstract Submission Deadline

26 March 2026 (Thursday) – Acceptance E-mails Sent & Registration Opens

21 April 2026 (Tuesday) – Registration Deadline for Conference Participants

1 June 2026 (Monday) – Online Programme Published

Abstracts are to be submitted into one of the following thematic sections.

Submission deadline

Individual papers and roundtable or panel abstracts are to be finalized and submitted electronically via the online submission system by 19 February 2026.

Late submissions: Abstracts received via e-mail or received after the deadline will not be accepted and therefore will not be considered for the programme.

Submission details and guidelines

All individual papers and roundtable/panel submissions should be written in English and respect all the below-mentioned guidelines.

Abstract word length and format

Abstract titles should not exceed 150 characters and should be written in Title Case, please capitalize the first letter of each word, excluding prepositions, articles, and conjunctions. Abstracts should not exceed 1800 characters. No pictures, tables, charts, or additional files should be included with the abstract. According to the submission platform, all submissions must include a title, abstract, and full list of co-authors or participants with their affiliations and e-mail addresses.

Paper and roundtable/panel submission platforms

There are two separate submission platforms: one for individual paper submissions and one for roundtable/panel submissions.

Roundtable/panel submissions: Roundtable/panel organizers act as chairs and must upload the title and abstract for the entire roundtable or panel as well as the titles and abstracts for individual papers. Chairs act as the contact person for the panel/roundtable and will be responsible for relaying any information received from the conference organizers.

Section choice: All submitters should choose both a preferred section and an alternative section in case the abstract is not accepted in the preferred section.

Co-authoring: Up to 10 authors can be listed under one abstract, including the presenting author.

Individual Participation limit: Submitters may submit up to two paper abstracts and two panel/roundtable abstracts. Any abstracts submitted over the limit will not be considered. Please note that each participant is limited to a maximum of four contributions/roles – whether as a paper giver, roundtable participant, chair (each role counts as one contribution). The Section and Programme Chairs further reserve the right to re-assign chairs should there be a clash or should a participant exceed their maximum number of appearances.

Inclusion and diversity requirements: While composing panels/roundtables, please actively consider making them diverse and inclusive, over and above gender. Male-only panels will not be considered.

Panel composition and structure: Each panel consists of 1 chair, 4 to 5 panel papers, and optionally 1 discussant. Please note that one individual should serve as both chair and discussant. After the acceptance emails are sent, we will ask the chair whether they are willing to take on the discussant role as well. Panel sessions last 90 minutes, including a maximum of 5 presentations, discussant comments (optional), and a Q&A with the audience.

Roundtable composition and structure: A Roundtable is a freer form of discussion around a common theme. Each roundtable consists of 1 chair and 5 to 6 speakers.

Roles: The panel chair oversees the smooth functioning of the panel. This involves providing clear instructions to each speaker before the start of the panel about their allotted time, making sure that each speaker keeps to their time, and moderating audience questions and discussions. It is the responsibility of the panel chair to ensure adequate time for discussions. When applicable, the discussant should discuss important takeaways from the panel and highlight key insights of each paper whilst providing constructive feedback. Discussants are encouraged to provide detailed feedback on papers by email after the event. The panel chair decides the time allotted to the discussant, but this is usually not more than 10 minutes.

Evaluation process, decisions, and registration

Submitters will receive an acceptance/rejection notification via e-mail by 26 March 2026.

Evaluation: All submitted panels, roundtables, and paper abstracts will be subject to a review process after the abstract submission deadline. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Section Chairs under the overall guidance of the Programme Chairs.

Registration: Participants must register by 26 May 2026. Those who are not registered for the Conference by the deadline will not be included in the final programme.

Programme

Accepted submissions will form the preliminary conference programme and as such will be presented onsite. By submitting an abstract, the author(s) agree to the display of the abstract in connection with the conference on the EISA website. It is understood that they are not relinquishing copyrights to the Conference or EISA. The final programme will only include registered authors and will be published online by 1 June 2026. Abstracts not suitable for display will be rejected. Please have your abstract checked for correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formal structure. The organiser reserves the right to edit abstracts before display if necessary. The Section and Programme chairs reserve the right to make any subsequent programme changes if needed.

Cancellations

Each year, the EISA receives many more applications than places we have available. Participants should therefore make the commitment to attend and participate in our events seriously. If an accepted participant cannot attend the conference, they should inform the thematic section chairs and the conference organisers as soon as possible.