EUSAAP Conference 2025 Macau

In the political sphere, the EU and the world are at a crossroads marked by wars in several continents (including in Europe), rising geopolitical tensions, the emergence of strong leaders in authoritarian regimes, an overall decline in democratic governance, and the growth of populist movements marring democratic states. In Europe, a new political cycle also opened with the 2024 elections determining a more fragmented European Parliament elections and a new European Commission at the dawn of 2024, possibly alongside different priorities in EU’s policies. 2025 also begins with a new American administration and many questions about the future of the old transatlantic alliances and cooperation, casting doubts on the long-standing relationship between the EU and the United States. Simultaneously, the position of the EU in the world and EU’s global influence seems to be less certain as other areas of the world also appear to experience a rebalancing of power, particularly with the consolidation or emergence of rising nationsor other regional experiences in the Asia-Pacific area, with ASEAN, BRICS, the Global South, and the increasing prominence of authoritarian regimes.

In the economic domain, uncertainties or need to operate fundamental transitions equally seem to prevail as the world grapples with economic crises, long-unseen inflation, also stagnations or outright recessions accompanied by the ongoing effects of a slowdown of globalization if not deglobalization as well as the paralysis of the WTO. 

Sustainable development of states and societies remains a goal in the fast-approaching 2030 horizon, calling for other transitions in the way societies organize themselves. These aspirations are however also marred by the equally fast deepening climate changes, calling for other difficult but necessary transitions like the global decarbonization, the accelerated development of renewable resources, which is altering energy and industrial policies worldwide, and broader societal shifts towards sustainable lifestyles. Increasedecological and environmental awareness is driving policy changes at all levels, yet the struggle against pollution continues to challenge governments and citizens alike. Technological advancements, including the digital transition and the rise of artificial intelligence, also play a role in such set of uncertainties and transitions, not only revolutionizing industries but also challenging the role of humans in the workforce, with some fearing that automation could exacerbate inequality and social unrest.

This Conference shall aim at providing an assessment of the current or emerging positions of the EU in regard to these momentous transitions and the relations it nurtures for facing these powerful ongoing global challenges, particularly in the Asia-Pacific area.

The conference will therefore be multidisciplinary in focus. Applications from a wide range of fields (International Relations, political science, history, law, economics, cultural studies, natural and environmental sciences) are encouraged with the aspiration that the dialogues and exchange of insights in the Conference shall provide each participant witha deeper understanding of the complexities of the shifting policies of the EU and relationships in the wider world, particularly with Asia-Pacific areas, in view of the momentous transitions (political, diplomatic, geopolitical, economic, energy, climactic, developmental, technological, digital, social), that the EU together with other States are facing in contemporary times. 

In this context, the dialogues between both established scholars and emerging young voices are of vital importance. The Conference shall provide fresh perspectives and insights into how the EU and its partners, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, can navigate these transitions.