Reconstructing the global order: imperatives and possibilities for cooperation in turbulent times

The Standing Committee for International Affairs presents their annual conference on the 8th of May 2025.

Humanity faces a variety of actual and potential existential crises, from climate change and biodiversity loss to increased instances of armed conflict and the potential challenges of artificial intelligence. These are compounded by geopolitical and geoeconomic fragmentation driven and intensified by great power competition.

The post-war multilateral order and international law are under severe strain. Nonetheless, examples and institutions of international cooperation and structures of global governance abound. This conference explores possibilities and strategies around restoring and deepening international trust and cooperation and what mechanisms, policies, processes, and modalities might be required to make them a reality. It seeks to engage with reconceptualisations of global order, values, and interests to (re)construct more cooperative and beneficial behaviour and institutions.

This event is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and we are honoured to announce that the plenary speaker will be Professor Mai’a Davis Cross of Northeastern University, USA.

Programme 

• 9:30 a.m.  Registration 
• 10:00 a.m. Introduction: Padraig Carmody MRIA

• 10:15 a.m. Session 1: Co-operation across the globe
  • Dr Muhammad Shabbir (National Defence University Islamabad) - Navigating Strategic Rivalries: Pakistan’s Path to a Cooperative Global Order 
  • Dr Kim Vender (Ruhr Universität Bochum) - Co-leadership in the international system: China and the EU in climate change governance
  • Agnese Fallica (Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies) - The EU-Japan relations as the blueprint for a new era of international cooperation; the advantage of a values-based cooperation in the field of security and defence.
  • Q&A - Chair: Una Murray (University of Galway)

• 12:00 p.m. Lunch

• 1.10 p.m. Keynote speech: Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State attending Cabinet at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with responsibility for Disability

• 1.45 p.m. Plenary address: Professor Mai'a Davis Cross (Northeastern University) - International Cooperation Against All Odds: The Ultrasocial World
  • Chair: Shelley Deane (Dublin City University)

• 2:45 p.m. Tea and coffee

• 3:00 p.m. Session 2: Tackling the polycrisis
  • Dr Ian Hughes (University College Cork) and Richard Wood - Ultrasociality, Psychopathology, and the Real Clash of Civilisations – Towards a New Theory of International Relations to Address the Polycrisis
  • Dr Colin Breen (Ulster University) - Everyday possibilities for peace through Cultural Heritage
  • Dr Nessa Lynch (University College Cork) - ‘Red-lines’ in the use of artificial intelligence – what is Ireland’s role in global regulation?
  • Q&A - Chair: Kevin O'Sullivan (University of Galway)
• 5:00 p.m Launch of the Irish Studies in International Affairs Journal

Please note that the launch of the Irish Studies in International Affairs Journal will take place in Iveagh House, St. Stephen's Green, a 5-minute walk away from the Royal Irish Academy. All ticket holders are invited to the launch and reception.