APISA2025 – Manila, The Philippines

Revisiting the Rules-Based Order (RBO) and Multi/Mini-Lateralism in the Indo-Pacific

Key Information

Date: 17-18 October, 2025
Venue: University of the Philippines-Diliman
Statistics Building, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Submission deadline: 20 August, 2025

The conference will be in person 17-18 October and partially online

 

Call for Papers

Send to APISA secretariat (apisa2024@gmail.com)

Actions taken by the United States under Donald Trump’s second presidency have raised concerns about the country’s commitment to the post-World War II international rules-based order (RBO). These actions included withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the WHO, and the UNHRC, dismantling USAID, and the reciprocal tariffs to all imports from America’s trading partners, allies and political foes alike.

The world is bracing for disruptions to the structures of international economy and security. The Indo-Pacific region is facing unprecedented challenges as the rules-based order is being increasingly undermined by shifting dynamics and unpredictability of great power politics and the erosion of multilateral frameworks that have long provided stability, security, and cooperation. Moreover, the Indo-Pacific and European geopolitical security concerns are converging, with North Korea and Russia moving closer through the war in Ukraine, from nuclear deterrence to securing vital maritime trade routes in the South China Sea.

With the weakening of traditional multilateral institutions, new forms of cooperation such as minilateral groupings have emerged to address the region’s challenges, with varying degrees of success. These new formats will need to navigate the complexities of balancing national interests with broader regional cooperation, including mitigating the impact from a potential fallout from China-US rivalry, while remaining grounded to address the evolving traditional and non-traditional security threats to regional peace, economic development and political stability.

This APISA Congress invites scholars and practitioners to examine how the Indo-Pacific is navigating these challenges. We invite submissions of abstracts for papers that explore the impact of the shifting geopolitical landscape on the RBO, regional security issues, intra- and inter-regional cooperation, and economic integration. Submissions can include, but are not limited to:

      • The erosion and adaptation of the RBO in the Indo-Pacific region
      • The rise of multi and mini-lateral cooperation frameworks and their effectiveness
      • Maritime security challenges, territorial disputes, and future of international maritime law
      • Economic security concerns in the context of trade wars and shifting alliances
      • Impact of contemporary US foreign policy on regional security and international cooperation
      • “Rise of the Rest”: implications for regional cooperation of increased activism from China, India, and other potential partners
      • Nuclear deterrence and extended security guarantees in the Indo-Pacific
      • Multi-polarity and opportunities for revitalizing the RBO through regional cooperation

Submission and registration guidelines:

The conference will be in person 17-18 October and partially online.

Registration fee (including membership of APISA for one year):

    • 150USD for presenters from developed countries
    • 75USD for presenters from developing countries
    • 30USD for graduate student presenters or audience members

Registration fee online presentation only (including membership of APISA for one year)

    • 100USD for presenters from developed countries
    • 50USD for presenters from developing countries
    • 25USD for graduate student presenters or audience members

Submission deadline: 20 August, 2025
Send to APISA secretariat (apisa2024@gmail.com)

Paper abstract of no more than 150 words, a short bio (no more than 120 words) with subject head: apisa2025.

APISA is Asia’s leading academic organization dealing with political and international studies broadly defined, with research programs focused on conflict and peace studies, democracy and governance, human security, development cooperation, civilian control and security sector reform, and higher education in Asia. The conference is open to scholars and students of international studies, as well as practitioners in the field. Selected submissions may be considered for publication in book projects based on the theme of the conference, as well as the Scopus-listed journals endorsed by the Association.

DETAILS OF THE EVENT VENUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.