17th CEPOS International Conference
The 17th CEPOS International Conference is set to convene in Craiova, ROU, bringing together experts and practitioners to delve into critical aspects of policy and international relations. This event serves as a platform for in-depth discussions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of contemporary global challenges and their policy implications. Participants will engage with diverse perspectives, contributing to a richer dialogue on the evolving landscape of international affairs.
Committees & topics
Topics
Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Banking and the Digital Market Β· Human Development, Security, Communication and Social Action Β· Politics, Governance and Societal Security Β· Administration, Legal Issues and Social Justice Β· Administration, Social Inclusion and Urban Planning Β· Administrative History and Governance within South-Eastern Europe Β· Artificial Intelligence, Finance and Digital Developments Β· Bioethics and Transition Challenges
Why it matters
This conference holds significance for the broader field of policy and international relations by facilitating discussions that can shape future practices and understandings. The gathering in Craiova, ROU, provides a unique opportunity to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications, particularly in the context of regional and global trends. By fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas, the event aims to contribute to more informed decision-making and strategic approaches in international policy.
The focus on policy and international relations is particularly salient in a world characterized by rapid geopolitical shifts and interconnected challenges. The conference offers a space for stakeholders to analyze these dynamics, identify emerging issues, and explore potential solutions. Such gatherings are crucial for maintaining a robust intellectual discourse that can inform and influence both national and international policy frameworks. The insights generated from these discussions can have far-reaching implications for how nations interact and address shared concerns.
How to prepare
Prospective attendees should prepare by familiarizing themselves with current trends and challenges in policy and international relations, particularly those relevant to the European context. Engaging with academic literature and policy reports on international cooperation, geopolitical analysis, and diplomatic strategies would be beneficial. Understanding the nuances of different national and regional policy approaches will enhance participation and contribution to the discussions.
Consider exploring various perspectives on global governance and the role of international institutions. Reviewing case studies related to successful and challenging policy implementations in different regions can provide valuable context. Attendees might also benefit from examining the historical evolution of international relations to better understand current dynamics. This comprehensive preparation will enable a more informed and impactful engagement with the conference's themes.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
RomaniaHost nation for the conference, providing a regional perspective on policy and international relations.
Role in topic
As the host country, ROU plays a central role in facilitating the discussions and showcasing its regional context within the broader themes of policy and international relations. Its geopolitical position in Europe offers a unique vantage point for examining regional cooperation and challenges.
United StatesKey global actor with significant influence on international policy and relations.
Role in topic
The USA's foreign policy decisions and diplomatic engagements have a profound impact on global policy and international relations. Its perspective is crucial for understanding multilateral initiatives and international security frameworks.
ChinaEmerging global power with growing influence on international policy and economic relations.
Role in topic
CHN's economic and political rise significantly shapes international policy and relations. Its approach to global governance, trade, and regional security is a critical factor in understanding contemporary international dynamics.
GermanyMajor European power and economic engine, influential in EU policy and international cooperation.
Role in topic
DEU's role within the European Union and its broader international engagements make it a significant voice in policy and international relations. Its economic strength and diplomatic efforts contribute to shaping European and global agendas.
United KingdomHistorically significant global power with evolving post-Brexit international policy.
Role in topic
The GBR's foreign policy, particularly in the post-Brexit era, continues to influence international relations. Its engagement with various global partners and its role in international organizations are key aspects of its policy stance.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Banking and the Digital Market
Key players
- United States
Home to leading AI labs and global reserve currency; shapes capital-markets and AI governance norms.
- China
Pioneer of the digital yuan and large-scale AI deployment in banking and payments.
- Germany
Anchor of the EU AI Act and digital euro project within the eurozone.
- United Kingdom
Major financial centre advancing principles-based AI and fintech regulation.
SingaporeRegional hub setting influential standards on AI in finance and tokenised assets.
IndiaOperator of the world's largest digital public payments infrastructure (UPI) and a key voice for emerging markets.
Human Development, Security, Communication and Social Action
Key players
NorwayMajor donor and norm entrepreneur on human security and peacebuilding.
JapanLong-standing champion of the human security agenda within the UN system.
- United States
Largest bilateral aid donor and influential voice on development and communications policy.
BrazilLeading middle-income voice on social inclusion programmes and Global South coordination.
South AfricaKey African actor on human development, inequality, and communication rights.
Politics, Governance and Societal Security
Key players
- United States
Sets global tone on democratic governance, sanctions, and counter-disinformation.
RussiaPrincipal source of hybrid threats and contested governance model in the post-Soviet space.
FranceLeading EU voice on democratic resilience and foreign-interference legislation.
- Germany
Anchor of EU governance and societal-security frameworks, including critical-infrastructure protection.
PolandFrontline state shaping debates on rule of law, border security, and resilience.
- China
Promoter of an alternative governance model and major actor in digital and information statecraft.
Administration, Legal Issues and Social Justice
Key players
- France
Civil-law tradition shaping European administrative-justice standards.
- Germany
Influential model of administrative law, constitutional review, and social-state principles.
- United Kingdom
Common-law reference point for judicial review and public-sector reform.
NetherlandsCautionary case on algorithmic administration and welfare-state failures.
- United States
Major influence on administrative procedure, civil-rights enforcement, and digital government.
Administration, Social Inclusion and Urban Planning
Key players
- Brazil
Global reference on participatory budgeting and informal-settlement upgrading.
- Germany
Leader in social housing models and integrated urban regeneration.
- France
Major actor in metropolitan governance reform and banlieue inclusion policies.
SpainInnovator in superblock planning, housing rights, and municipalist governance.
KenyaHosts UN-Habitat and central to Global South urban-policy debates.
Administrative History and Governance within South-Eastern Europe
Key players
SerbiaLargest Western Balkan state and pivotal actor in regional governance and EU accession dynamics.
- Romania
EU member shaping regional administrative-reform models and Black Sea governance.
BulgariaEU member with deep historical and administrative ties across South-Eastern Europe.
CroatiaMost recent EU and Schengen member, reference point for accession-driven reform.
Bosnia and HerzegovinaComplex post-Dayton governance structure central to regional stability.
GreeceLong-standing EU member and influential actor in regional administrative and security frameworks.
Artificial Intelligence, Finance and Digital Developments
Key players
- United States
Leading source of foundation models, cloud capacity, and capital-markets innovation.
- China
Major AI power with distinctive regulatory model and large digital-finance ecosystem.
- Germany
Central architect of the EU AI Act and digital single market.
- France
Host of key AI summits and advocate of European digital sovereignty.
- Japan
G7 leader on the Hiroshima AI Process and standards for trustworthy AI.
South KoreaMajor semiconductor and digital-services economy, co-host of AI safety summits.
Bioethics and Transition Challenges
Key players
- France
Leading bioethics legislation and host of UNESCO's bioethics work.
- Germany
Influential model of ethics-council governance and strict genetic-research limits.
- United States
Major centre of biomedical research and policy on genome editing and AI in health.
- United Kingdom
Pioneer in regulating embryo research, mitochondrial donation, and emerging biotech.
- China
Central actor in genome-editing controversies and rapidly expanding biomedical sector.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 17th CEPOS International Conference.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
RomaniaCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
SingaporeCountry dossier
IndiaCountry dossier
NorwayCountry dossier
JapanCountry dossier
BrazilCountry dossier
South AfricaCountry dossier
RussiaCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
PolandCountry dossier
NetherlandsCountry dossier
SpainCountry dossier
KenyaCountry dossier
SerbiaCountry dossier
BulgariaCountry dossier
CroatiaCountry dossier
Bosnia and HerzegovinaCountry dossier
GreeceCountry dossier
South KoreaCountry dossier
Related conferences
By committee
- Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Banking and the Digital Market
- Human Development, Security, Communication and Social Action
- Politics, Governance and Societal Security
- Administration, Legal Issues and Social Justice
- Administration, Social Inclusion and Urban Planning
- Administrative History and Governance within South-Eastern Europe
- Artificial Intelligence, Finance and Digital Developments
- Bioethics and Transition Challenges