47ACIS 2026 – Iberian Relations, Europeanisation and Transatlantic Exchanges
The 47th ACIS conference, themed "Iberian Relations, Europeanisation and Transatlantic Exchanges," is set to convene in Braga, Portugal. This academic gathering will delve into the multifaceted historical and contemporary interactions involving the Iberian Peninsula, its integration within Europe, and its enduring connections across the Atlantic. The conference offers a platform for scholars to present research and engage in discussions that illuminate the complex interplay of political, economic, social, and cultural forces shaping these relationships. Participants will explore how the Iberian nations of Portugal and Spain have navigated their roles within the broader European project while maintaining distinct ties with former colonies and other transatlantic partners. The event is designed for college-level engagement, fostering a deep dive into the historical trajectories and future implications of these interconnected regions.
Committees & topics
Topics
Impacts of European Policies on Iberian Relations · Politics, Government, International Relations, the EU, Nationalism, Regionalisms, and Transnational Processes · Economics, Business, Labour, and Social Welfare · Cultural Production: Film, Television, Journalism, Literature, Media and Digital Communication · Social and Cultural Studies: Identity, Gender, Ethnicity, Popular Culture · Leisure, Tourism, and Sport · Contemporary History of the Iberian Peninsula · Language, Linguistics, and Language Policy
Why it matters
Understanding the dynamics of Iberian relations, Europeanisation, and transatlantic exchanges is crucial for comprehending global geopolitical shifts. The historical role of PRT and ESP as colonial powers has left an indelible mark on nations across the Americas and Africa, creating enduring linguistic, cultural, and economic linkages. Examining these historical foundations provides critical context for current international relations, trade agreements, and diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, the process of Europeanisation for PRT and ESP, particularly their integration into the European Union, has reshaped their national identities and foreign policies. This integration has brought both opportunities and challenges, impacting their relationships with non-European states and influencing their strategic priorities. Analyzing this process offers insights into the broader phenomenon of regional integration and its effects on national sovereignty and international cooperation.
The transatlantic dimension remains a cornerstone of Iberian foreign policy, encompassing relations with countries like BRA, MEX, COL, and the USA. These connections are not merely historical; they are vibrant and evolving, driven by migration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The conference's focus on these exchanges highlights the ongoing relevance of these relationships in addressing contemporary global issues, from economic development to climate change and security challenges. For diplomats and policymakers, a nuanced understanding of these intricate relationships is essential for effective engagement strategies.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the themes of the 47th ACIS conference, participants should undertake a comprehensive preparation strategy. A foundational step involves reviewing the historical evolution of Iberian relations, paying particular attention to the colonial legacies of PRT and ESP and their impact on present-day transatlantic ties. This includes understanding the historical context of their relationships with countries in Latin America and Africa.
Secondly, it is vital to analyze the process of Europeanisation for PRT and ESP. This entails studying their accession to the European Union, the subsequent policy alignments, and the economic and social transformations that have occurred. Understanding the interplay between national interests and supranational directives within the EU framework will be key. Consider how this process has influenced their diplomatic postures towards non-EU countries.
Finally, preparing for discussions on transatlantic exchanges requires an examination of current political, economic, and cultural linkages. This includes researching contemporary trade agreements, migration patterns, and cultural diplomacy initiatives between Iberian nations and countries such as the USA, BRA, and MEX. Participants should be ready to discuss how these exchanges contribute to global governance and address shared challenges. Consider applying frameworks from lessons such as "Engagement Strategies" and "Dynamic Analysis" to dissect complex international relationships.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 6 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
PortugalA key historical and contemporary actor in Iberian, European, and transatlantic relations.
Role in topic
As a host nation, PRT provides a central perspective on its historical colonial ties, its integration into the European project, and its ongoing diplomatic and economic relationships across the Atlantic, particularly with BRA and AGO.
SpainA significant partner in Iberian and European integration, with extensive transatlantic influence.
Role in topic
ESP's perspective is crucial for understanding Iberian dynamics, its role within the European Union alongside PRT, and its profound historical and contemporary connections with Latin American nations such as MEX and COL.
United StatesA major transatlantic partner with historical and strategic interests in the Iberian Peninsula.
Role in topic
The USA's involvement in transatlantic exchanges, including security alliances and economic ties with PRT and ESP, offers a critical external perspective on the region's global significance.
BrazilA primary Lusophone partner in transatlantic relations with strong historical and cultural ties to PRT.
Role in topic
BRA represents a vital component of the transatlantic dimension, showcasing the enduring legacy of Portuguese colonialism and the continued importance of cultural and economic exchange with PRT.
MexicoA key Hispanophone partner in transatlantic relations with deep historical and cultural ties to ESP.
Role in topic
MEX's perspective illustrates the extensive historical and contemporary connections stemming from Spanish colonialism, highlighting the ongoing cultural, economic, and migratory flows across the Atlantic with ESP.
United KingdomAn influential European nation with historical and ongoing diplomatic and economic ties to the Iberian Peninsula.
Role in topic
GBR's historical relationship with PRT and ESP, as well as its post-Brexit position, offers an important European perspective on trade, diplomacy, and security within the region and across the Atlantic.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Impacts of European Policies on Iberian Relations
Key players
- Spain
Largest Iberian economy and EU member shaping bilateral and Brussels-level agendas.
- Portugal
Atlantic-facing partner balancing bilateral asymmetry through EU multilateralism.
FranceKey EU partner and northern land bridge influencing energy and transport interconnections.
GermanyDominant voice in EU fiscal and industrial policy directly affecting Iberian economies.
BelgiumHost of EU institutions whose regulatory output frames Iberian relations.
Politics, Government, International Relations, the EU, Nationalism, Regionalisms, and Transnational Processes
Key players
- Spain
Plurinational state managing devolution, territorial tensions, and EU engagement.
- Portugal
Unitary semi-presidential republic facing new party-system fragmentation.
- Belgium
Seat of EU institutions and reference for federal/regional comparisons.
- France
Neighbour with cross-border Basque and Catalan questions and EU policy weight.
AndorraMicrostate with deep Catalan-Iberian linkages illustrating regional transnationalism.
Economics, Business, Labour, and Social Welfare
Key players
- Spain
Eurozone's fourth-largest economy with major NextGenEU allocations and labour reforms.
- Portugal
Post-bailout economy pursuing digital, green, and wage-led growth strategies.
- Germany
Principal trading partner and shaper of eurozone fiscal rules.
- France
Major trade and investment partner and co-architect of EU industrial policy.
- United States
Key source of FDI and counterpart on transatlantic trade and tech standards.
Cultural Production: Film, Television, Journalism, Literature, Media and Digital Communication
Key players
- Spain
Spanish-language production hub and major EU audiovisual market.
- Portugal
Lusophone cultural gateway linking Europe, Brazil, and Africa.
- United States
Home of dominant streaming platforms shaping Iberian content economics.
- Brazil
Largest Lusophone market driving Portuguese-language media flows.
- Mexico
Largest Spanish-language market and major co-production partner.
- France
Co-production partner and standard-setter on European cultural exception policies.
Social and Cultural Studies: Identity, Gender, Ethnicity, Popular Culture
Key players
- Spain
Plurilingual, plurinational society at the forefront of EU gender and migration debates.
- Portugal
Society reckoning with colonial memory, immigration, and progressive social legislation.
MoroccoLargest origin country of migrant communities and key cultural-religious interlocutor.
- Brazil
Major origin of Lusophone migrants shaping Portuguese demographics and popular culture.
ColombiaSignificant Latin American diaspora influencing Spanish cultural and linguistic life.
Leisure, Tourism, and Sport
Key players
- Spain
World tourism leader and 2030 World Cup co-host facing overtourism backlash.
- Portugal
Rapidly growing destination managing housing pressures and 2030 World Cup co-hosting.
- Morocco
Third co-host of the 2030 World Cup and emerging tourism competitor-partner.
- United Kingdom
Largest source market for Iberian tourism and key aviation link.
- France
Major source market and competitor destination shaping EU tourism policy.
- Germany
Top source market, especially for Balearic and Algarve tourism.
Contemporary History of the Iberian Peninsula
Key players
- Spain
Site of civil war, long dictatorship, democratic transition, and contested memory politics.
- Portugal
Site of Estado Novo, Carnation Revolution, decolonisation, and democratic consolidation.
- Germany
Anchor of post-1986 European integration shaping Iberian modernisation.
- United States
Cold War partner influencing regime survival, NATO entry, and transatlantic ties.
AngolaFormer Portuguese colony central to decolonisation and ongoing Lusophone ties.
- Morocco
Neighbour shaping decolonisation (Western Sahara) and contemporary security relations.
Language, Linguistics, and Language Policy
Key players
- Spain
Multilingual state managing co-official languages and global Spanish diffusion.
- Portugal
Steward of Lusophone language policy through CPLP and orthographic agreements.
- Brazil
Largest Portuguese-speaking state and co-shaper of Lusophone norms.
- Mexico
Most populous Spanish-speaking state and key ASALE partner.
- Andorra
Only state with Catalan as sole official language, central to its international status.
- France
Home to Basque and Catalan-speaking communities and contrasting language-policy model.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 47ACIS 2026 – Iberian Relations, Europeanisation and Transatlantic Exchanges.
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
Related conferences
By committee
- Impacts of European Policies on Iberian Relations
- Politics, Government, International Relations, the EU, Nationalism, Regionalisms, and Transnational Processes
- Economics, Business, Labour, and Social Welfare
- Cultural Production: Film, Television, Journalism, Literature, Media and Digital Communication
- Social and Cultural Studies: Identity, Gender, Ethnicity, Popular Culture
- Leisure, Tourism, and Sport
- Contemporary History of the Iberian Peninsula
- Language, Linguistics, and Language Policy