An 'International' Meeting at Izmir University of Economics
The 13th edition of the 'EWIS 2026' workshop, organized by the European International Studies Association (EISA) and bringing together approximately 450 academics from various countries, was hosted by Izmir University of Economics (IUE). Speaking at the opening of the three-day workshop, which focused on critical issues such as regional wars, the climate crisis, and food security, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “I believe this workshop will mark the beginning of new academic collaborations reaching out from Izmir to the world.”
Organized under the coordination of the IUE Faculty of Business, Department of Political Science and International Relations, the ‘EWIS 2026’ workshop organizing committee included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serhun Al and Asst. Prof. Dr. Umut Can Adısönmez. This year's thematic framework for the event consisted of debates on the future of the liberal world order, international security risks, the future of democracies, new global power centers, and the global economy. Faculty members arriving from all corners of the world to meet at Izmir University of Economics had the opportunity to network and laid the foundations for joint projects that could be undertaken in the coming period.
“IT WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT THE FUTURE”
Stating that they view internationalization, scientific production, and social contribution among their primary priorities as a university, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “This important workshop, which brings together a large number of academics from different countries, strengthens the will to approach the multi-dimensional problems facing our world with common wisdom. Issues such as regional wars, the climate crisis, food security, migration, energy policies, and global governance lie at the center of the international relations discipline today. Each of these topics transcends national borders, directly affects the future of societies, and necessitates interdisciplinary searches for solutions. For this reason, I find it highly meaningful that EWIS 2026, as Europe's largest international relations workshop, is being held at our University during such a critical period.
“WE ARE THRILLED TO HOST IT”
Expressing that hosting EWIS 2026 at Izmir University of Economics is a valuable opportunity for international scientific interaction, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serhun Al said, “Workshops of this kind are of great importance not only for discussing current problems but also for developing new research questions and creating areas for joint academic production. I believe this meeting in Izmir will pave the way for international joint projects, publications, and academic collaborations in the upcoming period. On behalf of our department, we were delighted to contribute to an organization with such broad participation.”
“RESEARCH NETWORK WILL BE STRENGTHENED”
Pointing out that the workshop brought young researchers and experienced academics together, Asst. Prof. Dr. Adısönmez said, “Today, many issues from security to climate, from economy to democracy, are intertwined. Therefore, it is highly valuable for all of us that academics from different countries share their experiences, research, and approaches. This interaction also contributes to the strengthening of international research networks. The positive feedback we received from the participants during the organization process showed that we have created a correct and effective academic environment."
