Track: LOC01 Pluralizing Global Politics in Security, Diplomacy, and Economic Affairs
Type: Open Panel
Deadline: 4 November 2026
The Greater Middle East is undergoing a significant transformation in its regional and international security environment. The changing role of the United States, the growing involvement of Russia and China, and the consequences of recent regional wars — including the Iran War — have challenged established patterns of alliance and security dependence. Rather than simply aligning with a dominant external power, regional states and non-state actors increasingly appear to be pursuing strategies of diversification, strategic autonomy, and hedging across competing powers and political networks.
This panel examines how and why alliance politics in the region is changing, with particular attention to state–NSA interactions and the domestic political motivations shaping alliance formation and realignment. It asks whether the region is moving from a predominantly US-centred security order toward a more fluid and contested system of alignments, and engages a broader theoretical question: is hegemony-free alliance-making — and hegemony-free alliance structures — ever possible in the Global South?
We welcome contributions examining the changing strategies of regional states and non-state actors; the evolving roles of the United States, Russia, China, Iran, and other external and regional powers; and the implications of recent conflicts for alliance commitments, security partnerships, and regional power dynamics. Papers bringing together international, regional, and domestic levels of analysis are especially encouraged.
Venue:
The 29th IPSA World Congress of Political Science will be held at the LUISS Guido Carli in Rome, Italy as an in-person event from 24-28 July 2027 under the theme Uncertain Democracies: Rethinking Governance in a Changing Global System.
LUISS Guido Carli
Viale Romania, 32, 00197
Roma RM
Italy
Format:
The 2027 IPSA World Congress of Political Science will be a fully in-person event. This decision by the IPSA Executive Committee aims to maximize the benefits of in-person interactions, essential for networking and collaboration. Participants can engage more fully in sessions, workshops, and presentations, facilitating dynamic discussions and enhancing the learning experience. Additionally, holding the congress in Rome offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing attendees to experience a rich history and traditions. IPSA is introducing fully virtual events such as the Work-in-Progress Sessions (IPSA-WiPS) and The Africa Online Workshop Series (AOWS). For more information, please consult the official IPSA website.
Language:
The general requirement for oral presentations at the Congress is that they be delivered in English.
Presentations:
Each presentation room will be equipped with a computer, a screen and a projector. Wi-Fi Internet connection will be available. Each computer is equipped with the Microsoft Office suite. Please be sure to have your presentation ready on a USB drive (memory stick).
The panel is 1:45 in length, and must include time for questions. For more information about your individual panel presentation, please contact your panel convenor or panel chair directly.
Expense Responsibility:
All expenses related to travel, visa, accommodation, and meals are the sole responsibility of the participating delegate. Kindly make the necessary arrangements and budget considerations to cover these aspects of your attendance.
Certificate of Attendance:
Certification will be issued to all participants who attended their panel and fulfilled their role (paper author, paper co-author, chair, co-chair, discussant or participant). A certificate of attendance and a letter of participation will be available in electronic format (PDF) in the participant’s user account [My Congress] after 29 July 2027.
Convenor: Prof. Ersel Aydınlı (Bilkent University) — ersel@bilkent.edu.tr
Chair: Prof. Ersel Aydınlı
Discussants:
Dr. Onur Erpul (METU) – erpul@metu.edu.tr
Dr. Özgecan Eskiduman (Center for Foreign Policy and Peace Research, Bilkent) – eskiduman@bilkent.edu.tr
Abstracts should be submitted directly through the IPSA World Congress portal:
🔗 https://wc2027.ipsa.org/wc/panel/from-hegemony-hedging-changing-nature-alliance-politics-greater-middle-east
Please note: paper abstracts must be submitted by authors through their own individual IPSA account; the convenor cannot submit on your behalf. A free IPSA account is required.
Queries can be directed to the convenor or contact list above.
