CONCEPT NOTE:

The contemporary international system is witnessing a significant transformation marked by the gradual shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order. In this evolving landscape, Southeast Asia and the Global South have emerged as pivotal regions influencing global political, economic, and strategic trajectories. Once perceived as peripheral actors, these regions are now central to discussions on global governance, sustainability, and security.

Southeast Asia occupies a uniquely strategic position at the intersection of major maritime trade routes and geopolitical contestations. The region has increasingly become a focal point of great power engagement, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific, where competing visions of order coexist alongside regional aspirations for stability, autonomy, and development. At the same time, the broader Global South is asserting itself through collective platforms and South–South cooperation mechanisms, seeking to redefine global hierarchies and advocate for more equitable and inclusive governance structures.

Historically, global power dynamics were largely concentrated in the Atlantic region, dominated by Western economies and institutions. However, the rise of emerging economies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America has contributed to a redistribution of power, thereby reshaping global interactions. This transformation is accompanied by increasing interdependence in trade, investment, and technological exchange, as well as intensifying strategic competition.

Beyond traditional geopolitical considerations, the discourse on security has expanded to include non-traditional dimensions such as climate change, environmental sustainability, food and water security, energy transitions, and digital governance. These issues are particularly significant for Southeast Asia and the Global South, where vulnerabilities are often more pronounced and require coordinated, multilateral responses.

Cultural exchanges and people-to-people linkages further reinforce these evolving dynamics. Migration, diaspora networks, and transnational cultural flows contribute to shaping identities, perceptions, and diplomatic engagements across regions. In this context, understanding the intersection of security, sustainability, and strategic dynamics necessitates a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach.

The conference aims to critically examine these emerging trends by bringing together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, industry experts, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue. It seeks to provide a platform for analysing the challenges and opportunities that define Southeast Asia and the Global South in a rapidly changing international order, while also fostering collaborative approaches to address shared concerns.

A significant highlight of this edition is the collaboration with MGIMO University as a Knowledge Partner, thereby enriching the discourse with a broader Eurasian perspective and strengthening international academic engagement.

Objectives of the Conference

  • To examine the evolving strategic dynamics of Southeast Asia within the broader context of the Global South.
  • To analyse the role of emerging economies in shaping a multipolar global order.
  • To explore traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including maritime security, cyber threats, and climate risks.
  • To analyse sustainability concerns, including climate governance, energy transitions, and environmental resilience.
  • To understand the impact of major power competition on regional stability and cooperation.
  • To highlight the importance of South–South cooperation in fostering inclusive development.

Organizing Team

  • Convenor – Prof. (Dr.) Nagalaxmi M. Raman, Director & Head, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Shreesh Kumar Pathak, Assistant Professor-III, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Aleena Thomas, Assistant Professor – I, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Shubham Verma, Assistant Professor – I, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Aashriti Gautam, Assistant Professor – I, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Ashok Sadasivan, Assistant Professor – I, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Akriti Khajuria, Assistant Professor – I, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Devina Singh, Assistant Professor – I, AIIS
  • Associate faculty member – Dr. Malswamtluangi, Assistant Professor – I, AIIS
  • Associate operations team – The Student Society, AIIS

Sub Themes of the Conference

I. Strategic and Geopolitical Dynamics
  1. The Global South in a Multipolar World: Power Redistribution and Emerging Hierarchies (Plenary Session I)
  2. Indo-Pacific Strategic Frameworks: FOIP, Quad, BIMSTEC, IORA, and IPOI in Shaping Regional Order(Plenary Session II)
  3. ASEAN Centrality and Regional Institutional Architecture
  4. Strategic Autonomy in the Global South: Policy Choices, Alignment Strategies, and Partnership Models
  5. China’s Expanding Footprint in Southeast Asia and Regional Responses
  6. India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and Engagement with Southeast Asia (Act East Policy)
II. Security and Sustainability
  1. Sustainability and Human Security in the Global South: Climate, Energy, and Development Futures (Plenary Session III)
  2. Maritime Security, Sea Lanes, and the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific
  3. Non-Traditional Security in the Global South: Health, Migration, and Transnational Risks
  4. Climate Change and Environmental Governance in the Global South
III. Economic, Technological, and Societal Transformations
  1. Energy Security and Green Transitions in Emerging Economies in Southeast Asia
  2. Connectivity, Infrastructure Diplomacy, and Supply Chain Resilience
  3. Trade, Investment Flows, and Regional Economic Integration in Southeast Asia and the Global South
  4. Digital Geopolitics, Cyber Security, and Emerging Technologies in the Indo-Pacific
  5. Public Diplomacy, Soft Power, and Cultural Connectivity in the Global South
Target Audience
  • Academicians and researchers specialising in International Relations, Southeast Asian studies, and Global South dynamics.
  • International and regional organisations working on development, sustainability, and governance.
  • Policymakers, government officials, and diplomats engaged in Indo-Pacific and Global South affairs.
  • Industry experts in energy, sustainability, logistics, and digital governance sectors.
  • Students and research scholars interested in contemporary global issues.
Expected Outcomes
  • Developing a comprehensive understanding of the strategic, economic, and sustainability dimensions of Southeast Asia and the Global South.
  • Generating policy-relevant insights for governments, institutions, and industry stakeholders.
  • Identification of emerging areas for research and academic collaboration.
  • Strengthening dialogue on global governance, security cooperation, and sustainable development.
  • Enhancing institutional partnerships and international academic engagement.
Tentative Resource Persons
  • Senior Faculty and Experts from MGIMO University
  • Representatives from ASEAN Secretariat
    Officials from Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
    · Scholars from leading universities in Southeast Asia and India
    · Experts from think tanks such as Observer Research Foundation and ICWA

REGISTRATION FEE:

Important Dates for REGISTRATION

Faculty/Research Fellow (Prices in INR/USD)

Research Scholars/Student (Prices in INR/USD)

Early Bird Registration:

Until (inclusive)

INR 1500 / USD 18

INR 1000 / USD 12

Standard Registration: until

INR 2000 / USD 22

INR 1500 / USD 17

Important Dates (Tentative)

Abstract Submission: 15th June 2026
Acceptance Notification: 30th June 2026
Early Bid Registration & Payment: 15th July 2026
Regular Registration & Payment: 30th July 2026
Full Paper Submission: 30th July 2026
Conference Dates: 16th - 18th September 2026

Note: A committee will review the abstracts and full papers, and information regarding acceptance, modification, rejection, and presentation will be communicated to the authors subsequently. The selected papers will be published in an edited book of the Convenor with ISBN No.

Contact Us

📞 Phone: 0120 - 4392154
✉️ Email:vijigishu.aiis@amity.edu
📍 Address:
D-Block, Room No.203, Amity University
Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh


Conference Chair and Convener
Prof. (Dr.) Nagalaxmi M Raman
Director & Head, AIIS
📧 nlraman@amity.edu