CfP: Africa and Europe in a Disorderly World – Navigating Complexities in a Changing Global System

International Conference: Africa and Europe in a Disorderly World: Navigating Complexities in a Changing Global System (University of Pretoria, 18-21 September 2023)

Relations between Africa or the African Union (AU) and Europe or the European Union (EU), as well as their own regional dynamics, are embedded in an ever more complex global system that is undergoing fundamental changes. Disruptive technologies such as AI and big data are transforming the economic and social landscape of the world. Changing demographics and migration are challenging the traditional notions of national sovereignty and security. Environmental degradation and climate change are posing existential threats to the planet. Great power competition and growing US-China rivalry are creating new fault lines in global politics.

Against this backdrop, this conference, hosted by the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation (GovInn) in association with the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria and EU-RENEW, aims to explore the complexities of the relationship between Africa and Europe and to examine how this relationship is shaped by the changing global landscape. Interested scholars from across disciplines are invited to submit proposals for papers to be presented at the general conference or the workshop on teaching about Europe-Africa relations.

Paper proposals can fit within, but are not limited to, the following topic areas:

  • EU/Europe-Africa Relations in the 21st Century
  • Growing Geopolitical Competition and Emerging Powers
  • Rule of Law and Democracy
  • Disruptive Technologies
  • European Foreign Policy towards Africa
  • Intra-regional and Inter-regional Trade
  • Migration and Demographics
  • Energy and Governance of Natural Resources
  • Sustainable Development and Environment
  • Economic and Financial Integration
  • Regional Integration and Institutions

In addition, we invite abstracts for two special roundtables on ‘European Studies in Africa: a bi-directional approach’ and ‘‘Rule of Law and Democracy in Africa-Europe relations’ (in cooperation with Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne) that will be held in conjunction with the conference.

Submission

Abstracts of no more than 300 words should be submitted to the conference organizers at info@governanceinnovation.org AND eu-renew@kuleuven.be by 15 June 2023. Read the full call for additional details and submission guidelines here.