International Symposium - Interregional Cooperation as a Driver of Political and Socio-Economic Development: Shaping the Future of Global Cooperation

Building on the vibrant energy of the 2025 IPSA World Congress of Political Science in Seoul, we are thrilled to announce a pioneering international symposium in the beautiful, dynamic city of Acapulco. Jointly organized by IPSA Research Committees RC37 (Rethinking Political Development) and RC40 (New World Orders?), this event is designed to be more than an academic meeting—it is a launchpad for actionable ideas and transformative partnerships.

In an era of complex global challenges, we believe that interregional cooperation is the key to unlocking a better future. We invite you to join a diverse community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to collectively explore how collaborative action across borders can drive profound political and socioeconomic development.

Your ideas have the power to shape the agenda. Send your proposals to: ipsa.acapulco2026@gmail.com

Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Propose a Thematic Panel 

Be a thought leader! Propose and chair a panel on a critical issue. Submit a compelling 150–300-word description outlining the panel's overall focus and relevance. Panels must include the titles and abstracts (150 to 300 words each) for 3 to 5 papers that demonstrate à coherent thematic connection. 

2. Present an Individual Paper

Share your groundbreaking research. Submit your paper title and a 150–300-word abstract. Accepted papers will be grouped into cohesive, stimulating panels.

3. General Participation

Be part of the conversation in person! 

New Frontiers and Key Themes

We encourage submissions that not only analyze but also reimagine the frameworks of cooperation. Contributions are welcome across, but not limited to, the following frontiers:

• Economy and Industry 4.0: Beyond value chains, exploring models for inclusive growth, South-South industrial partnerships, and the future of work in a connected world;
• Technology and Equity: Governing AI, bridging the digital divide, ethical data sharing, and building innovative ecosystems that leave no one behind;
• Green Transition and Climate Resilience: From policy to practice, financing green infrastructure, community-led adaptation, and building socioeconomic systems that thrive within planetary boundaries;
• The Future of Connectivity: Smart infrastructure, sustainable transport corridors, and digital networks as backbones for regional integration;
• Knowledge Diplomacy: The role of education, scientific collaboration, and academic mobility as powerful, soft-power tools for building trust and shared futures;
• Crisis-Proofing Our World: Cooperation for pandemic preparedness, food security, and managing geopolitical shocks;
• The Social Fabric of Cooperation: The critical role of civil society, cultural exchanges, and youth leadership in sustaining partnerships.

Call for Papers. Key Dates:

• Deadline for Submissions: 20 January 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 31 January 2026

Our Collective Goal: The "Acapulco Connections"

This symposium aims to produce tangible and lasting outcomes. Our ambitions extend beyond the event itself to include the creation of a living network of scholars, a set of co-created policy briefs from the Innovation Lab, and a forward-looking "Acapulco Connections" manifesto. Furthermore, with the goal of ensuring a lasting academic impact, we are pleased to announce plans for the publication of one or more peer-reviewed edited books or a special journal issue featuring the highest-quality papers presented at the symposium.