Research Conference

'DEMOCRACY IN DECLINE'
26-27th March 2021
Our theme for this conference is ‘Democracy in Decline’
- We see the words ‘democracy’ and ‘decline’ being employed to charge discourse in varied socio-political, economic, and geographical contexts and understand that there is something here that warrants an exploration at the level of the international system(s) as a whole. By juxtaposing this phrase against the happenings we experience daily around us, we aim to put theories, and understandings to question, and seek answers to fundamental assumptions such as whether democracy can secure peace or not?
- Moreover, this is a phenomenon that destabilizes interactions within the interstate system at a fundamental level; ergo, what does it mean for contention and cooperation among actors?
- Given the uncertainty this simple phrase has exacerbated, what does this mean for the role of the interstate system in domestic political discourse and vice versa?
Some of the sub-themes around which we aim to curate this discussion are as follows;
- Violence and Democracy
- Authoritarianism and Legalism
- Political Mobilization and the Transnationality of Cyberspace
- Economic liberalism and Political liberalism
- Militarization and Marginalization
As young, and curious individuals, invested in the world we inhabit, we are at a juncture where critical engagement with our present needs to be supplemented with a desire to attempt reform and steer towards inclusivity. At the same time, we are also acutely aware of the increasing stake we have in taking collective responsibility, shaping more inclusive discourse, and mobilizing for change.
Through this space, we aim to create a platform, where students as changemakers, new entrants, and inquisitive yet determined individuals, can find a common ground; a common space to deliberate over the world as it unfolds around us. Moreover, we aim to open a space of research that is available to few, and to approach the discipline with academic rigour to be able to steer our directions of research.
As students inquisitive about International Relations (IR), we have experienced the potential for its growth at one of the few Indian universities that offer engagement with it at the undergraduate level.
Encouraged by prominent scholars within the discipline, we aim to open the conversation to include interdisciplinary engagement, constantly branching out beyond the classroom. Ashoka Society for International Affairs (A.S.I.A.) is an attempt to understand IR as it stands today with a vision of what it has to offer in the future.





Abstract length: 600-800 words
Keywords: 3-6
- Deadline for submission: 28 February 2021
- Mail us your abstract at [email protected] with the subject line ‘Name_Abstract Submission’
- Attach your abstract in the .pdf or the .docx format.
- Include your name, email address and current university affiliation in the body of the email. Please do not include these identification details in the attachment.
- Co-authorship upto *two* people is allowed, and collaboration between students of different instituions is also welcomed
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Please adhere to the specified word limit. The keywords are important words that figure in your abstract and paper and can also be used as search terms. In the abstract, incorporate answers to the following questions, not necessarily in this order. As this is the sole document using which we shortlist you for the conference, it is meant to be longer and more detailed than conventional abstracts.
- What is your research question?
- What makes it international? Explain through its political/social and/or cultural relevance.
- How does it relate to the broad theme? You could here draw on the theme itself or the different groupings mentioned. Remember that these aren’t exhaustive but rather meant to outline possible directions.
- What is your main argument?
- Delineate your structure and methodology. Specify if you plan to have any sections or subsections in your paper and if you optionally wish to incorporate possible case studies.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We will respond to emails at [email protected] within 12 hours.