Ana İçerik

9TH INTERNATIONAL BLUE BLACK SEA CONGRESS

“Security, Cooperation and Stability”

22–23 October 2026 – Istanbul – TÜRKİYE

The 9th International Blue Black Sea Congress will discuss the political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental issues concerning the Black Sea littoral states and the region's hinterland under the themes of “Security, Cooperation and Stability.” In this context, the Congress aims to create an environment for the exchange of ideas and knowledge in order to address security threats, sources of instability, and gaps in cooperation at both the state and societal levels in the Black Sea littoral countries as well as in the Caucasus and the Balkans, and to strengthen lasting peace and regional solidarity.

Security

The Black Sea littoral states and the region's hinterland occupy an extremely critical position in both the international and regional context. The profound humanitarian and political crisis caused by the Russia–Ukraine War, the regional repercussions of the U.S., Israel–Iran War, and the structural uncertainties brought about by the transition to a multipolar world order have made regional security one of the highest priorities on the international agenda. Therefore, the first main theme of the Congress has been determined as “Security,” and issues such as conflict prevention, cross-border threats, energy security, and defense cooperation will be discussed under this theme.

Cooperation

Strengthening economic, diplomatic, and institutional cooperation among the countries of the region is a prerequisite for ensuring sustainable security and stability. The relations developed by the countries of the region with Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as the economic ties shaped through global interaction, reveal both the existing potential and the limitations of cooperation. Within this framework, the Congress will provide a platform for discussing sustainable models of cooperation on environmental issues, natural resource management, combating climate change, regional trade, and economic integration.

Stability

Conflicts at the regional and global levels, increasing migration movements, economic vulnerabilities, and political polarization are among the main factors threatening stability in the region. The Congress aims to discuss how long-term and inclusive stability can be established in the face of these factors from the perspectives of democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, and economic development.

While remaining within the scope of the main themes of the Congress, papers related to the following topics will also be considered within the framework of the Congress:

• Diplomacy, peace processes, and mediation experiences
• The effects of the Iran–U.S. and Israel War on regional dynamics
• The effects of the Russia–Ukraine War on regional dynamics
• Energy security, pipelines, and renewable energy investments
• Economic integration and regional cooperation among the countries of the region and with the European Union
• Establishing security in the region, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution mechanisms
• International trade, development, and investment environment
• Cooperation in combating migration, unemployment, and political instability
• Environmental issues, climate change, and sustainable management of natural resources
• Human rights, the rule of law, and international law
• The political history of the region and its relations with global actors
• Cultural interaction, identity, and social transformation
• Future relations with NATO, the European Union, Russia, and other key actors
• Other regional and global issues and areas of cooperation

The papers to be presented at the Congress are expected to address the issues of security, cooperation, and stability in the region within the framework of the above-mentioned topics, based on scientific evidence, possessing analytical depth, and offering concrete policy recommendations.

The Congress will be held in a hybrid format.

Abstract and full-paper submissions will be accepted through the links available under the "Submit Paper" menu.

Papers in Turkish and English will be accepted.

In order to preserve the international character of the Congress, at least 51% of the participants must be international participants.

Each paper must include a Turkish title, abstract, and at least five keywords, as well as an English title, abstract, and at least five keywords. Abstracts must be 150–250 words in length. For participants who are unable to submit a Turkish abstract, their texts will be translated by the Editorial Board.

Abstracts and full papers will be accepted following a double-blind peer review process.

Deadline for abstract submission: 10 August 2026

Announcement of accepted papers: 24 August 2026

Deadline for full paper submission: 8 November 2026

The official appointment letter for the Academic Representative of the Organizing Committee, required for applications for the title of Associate Professor, and the official document indicating the number of papers and the distribution of participants by country, required for Academic Incentive applications, will be shared with our participants after the Congress.

The papers presented at the Congress will be included in the Congress Proceedings Book, while the full papers approved through the peer-review process will be published in the special issue of the International Journal of Afro-Eurasian Studies.

The International Blue Black Sea Congress is an international, peer-reviewed scientific event and is indexed in SOBIAD.