British Postgraduate Network for Chinese Studies
Annual Conference 2021
China and the World:
Challenges and Opportunities
Time: 23-24 June 2021
Venue: University of Lancaster (Online)
The phenomenal ascendance of Chinese economic and political power has created significant debate for 21st century international politics. Perceptions and predictions of China’s rise greatly vary, but what is beyond doubt is that as its comprehensive national strength grows, China, with the biggest population, the fastest growing economy and the largest army in the world will pose broader challenges and provide greater opportunities for the global community. While a rising China is seen as a key player in reinvigorating world economy and addressing global issues such as climate change, it is also a potential recipe for regional and international instability and a real threat to US global leadership. Such a mixed feeling of ‘love and hate’ towards China has been accelerated by a serious global public health emergence—COVID-19—in which China is considered to be both the crisis generator and conqueror. As it continues to spread, it is still too early to say whether the pandemic represents a challenge to the existing rules-based international order or an opportunity for a new global order. However, it is not too early to assess what the future holds for China and its place in the world. Thus, BPCS 2021 Annual Conference will share insights on diverse challenges and opportunities for the future development of China and the world in the post-COVID era.
We welcome abstract submissions from all disciplines, and also welcome panel submissions consisting of 3 to 4 speakers each. Possible areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to:
– Anthropology and Sociology
– History
– Politics and Law
– Economics
– International Studies
– Environment and Geography
– Public health
– Education and Cultural Studies
– Sinology, Linguistics and Translation
– Philosophy and Religions
– Art, Design and Archaeology
– Media and Communication
– Gender studies
– Literature
Confirmed Keynote speakers
Prof. Astrid Nordin
Professor of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, University of Lancaster
Professor Nordin is interested in the intersection of contemporary Chinese politics and international relations, broadly conceived, and critical theories of global politics.
Prof. Peter Hays Gries
Professor of Chinese Politics, University of Manchester
Professor Gries’ research examines the political psychology of international affairs, with a focus on China and the United States. He is the author of The Politics of American Foreign Policy: How Ideology Divides Liberals and Conservatives over Foreign Affairs (Stanford, 2014) and China’s New Nationalism: Pride, Politics, and Diplomacy (California, 2005), and dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles.
Dr. Zeno Leoni
Teaching Fellow in Challenges to the International Order, King’s College London
Dr. Leoni’s research focuses on world order and hegemonic shifts, with a special interest in the hegemonic competition between US and China.
Call for Papers
All paper abstracts must be submitted to bpcsannualconference2021@gmail.com or our online form. Abstracts (max 250 words) should be submitted by 30 April 2021 and should include the paper title and the name, affiliation, post, research area and email address of the proposed presenter, together with optionally indications of career stage and gender.
Papers and panels will be selected by the organising committee (BPCS), which will also assign submissions of individual papers to panels. Notification of acceptance will be made by 8 May 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Scholarship or Funding Support for Conference Participation
For the application phase, NO financial support is available for successful applicants. You are encouraged to apply for funding from your home institutes. BPCS might announce a small amount of transportation reimbursement after the conference according to the budget. People who are willing to apply for this will be required for sending the full paper. Please follow the information from the BPCS weekly newsletter.
- Visa Support
If you travel from abroad and need a Visa to attend the conference in the UK, you are responsible for the Visa Application. BPCS can only offer a conference invitation letter to the successful applicants as the support document.
- Transportation Support and Flight/Accommodation Booking
Unfortunately, due to the lack of human resources and budget, BPCS cannot provide help on this and you are responsible for all these costs. We suggest you book your flight/hotel in advance if applicable, and we recommend you use Google map or Citymapper to guide your visit.
- Certification of Attendance
The Certification of Attendance (electronic version) will be sent by the Panel Chairman after each panel and it will only give to people who successfully complete the presentations.
- The Registration Fee
No. There is no registration fee.
For further information and enquiries, please contact bpcsannualconference2021@gmail.com.