Annual Geopolitical Conference – “New Frontiers in Geopolitics” (2026)
The Annual Geopolitical Conference, titled "New Frontiers in Geopolitics," is scheduled to take place in Prague, Czech Republic. This single-day event aims to bring together experts and practitioners to discuss emerging trends and challenges in the global geopolitical landscape. The conference serves as a platform for in-depth analysis and debate on critical issues shaping international relations.
Committees & topics
United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
ECOSOC: Sovereign Debt, Development Finance, and Digital Public Goods
Paris International Conference on Cambodia (PICC; Historical)
Paris International Conference on Cambodia (1989–1991, Historical)
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
United Nations General Assembly: Plenary of the World's States
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
International Maritime Organization: Shipping Safety, Security, and Decarbonization
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NATO: Collective Defense in an Era of Renewed Great-Power Competition
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
United Nations Security Council: Sudan, Cyber Norms, and the Crisis of P5 Consensus
United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
United Nations Environment Assembly: Plastics, Pollution, and the Triple Planetary Crisis
Why it matters
This conference is significant because it convenes discussions on the evolving nature of global power dynamics and the implications for international stability. As geopolitical landscapes shift, understanding the 'new frontiers' is crucial for policymakers, academics, and anyone engaged in international affairs. The event's focus on contemporary challenges allows for a timely examination of complex interdependencies among nations.
The discussions in Prague, CZE, will likely touch upon how various states are adapting to these changes, from established powers like USA, CHN, and RUS, to rising forces such as IND, BRA, and ZAF. The insights shared at the conference can inform strategies for navigating an increasingly complex world, fostering a deeper comprehension of the forces that drive international cooperation and competition. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives on global governance, security, and economic integration.
How to prepare
To prepare for the Annual Geopolitical Conference, delegates should engage in thorough research on current geopolitical trends and regional hotspots. A strong understanding of Dynamic Analysis will be particularly useful for grasping the complex interplay of factors discussed. Familiarity with the foreign policy positions of key global actors, including those from Europe like DEU, FRA, and GBR, and those from other continents such as SAU, JPN, and AUS, will enhance participation.
Consider exploring various Engagement Strategies that different countries employ in their international relations. Understanding the motivations and historical contexts behind these strategies can provide valuable context for the conference's themes. Additionally, reviewing recent academic literature and policy briefs on emerging geopolitical challenges will ensure delegates are well-versed in the latest discourse.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 3 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
UN Women: Advancing Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
Key players
United StatesMajor donor and proponent of expansive SRHR and WPS language
SwedenLong-standing champion of feminist foreign policy and core funder
Saudi ArabiaInfluential voice within conservative bloc on family and SRHR language
AfghanistanFocus country given Taliban restrictions on women and girls
RwandaAfrican leader on women's political representation and WPS implementation
MexicoCo-convener of the Generation Equality Forum and feminist foreign policy advocate
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
ECOSOC: Sovereign Debt, Development Finance, and Digital Public Goods
Key players
United StatesLargest shareholder in Bretton Woods institutions; cautious on UN-led debt mechanism
ChinaMajor bilateral creditor to developing economies and key DPI exporter
IndiaLeading proponent of DPI (Aadhaar/UPI model) and G20 voice for Global South
South AfricaAfrican Group leader pushing for UN debt framework and FfD reforms
BrazilG20 chair legacy on debt and taxation of the super-rich
GermanyParis Club creditor and major ODA contributor shaping restructuring terms
Paris International Conference on Cambodia (PICC; Historical)
Paris International Conference on Cambodia (1989–1991, Historical)
Key players
CambodiaHost nation; four rival factions contesting legitimacy and post-war power
VietnamOccupying power whose withdrawal was the precondition for settlement
ChinaPrincipal backer of the Khmer Rouge; key to disarming the resistance
FranceCo-chair of the conference and former colonial power
IndonesiaCo-chair and ASEAN convenor of the Jakarta Informal Meetings
United StatesP5 broker pushing for UN-supervised elections and Khmer Rouge isolation
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
United Nations General Assembly: Plenary of the World's States
Key players
United StatesLargest assessed contributor; pivotal on reform and budget questions
ChinaSecond-largest contributor and leading voice of developmental multilateralism
RussiaP5 member increasingly isolated on Ukraine-related resolutions
IndiaG4 aspirant for permanent UNSC seat and Global South convenor
BrazilG4 member and traditional opener of the annual general debate
South AfricaAfrican Group voice on UNSC reform (Ezulwini Consensus) and ICJ activism
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
International Maritime Organization: Shipping Safety, Security, and Decarbonization
Key players
PanamaWorld's largest flag registry; pivotal vote on environmental measures
Marshall IslandsMajor open registry and leading SIDS voice for an ambitious carbon levy
GreeceLargest shipowning nation; influential on commercial impact of regulation
ChinaLargest shipbuilder and exporter; cautious on costs of decarbonization
United KingdomIMO host state and active broker on safety and emissions rules
United StatesNaval power shaping Red Sea security and sanctions enforcement
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NATO: Collective Defense in an Era of Renewed Great-Power Competition
Key players
United StatesLargest military contributor and primary nuclear umbrella provider
GermanyLeading European host of forward forces and post-Zeitenwende defense investor
PolandEastern flank linchpin with the alliance's highest defense spending share
TurkeySecond-largest army; pivotal on enlargement and Black Sea security
United KingdomNuclear power and key contributor to high-readiness forces
FinlandNewest frontline state, doubling NATO's land border with Russia
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
United Nations Security Council: Sudan, Cyber Norms, and the Crisis of P5 Consensus
Key players
United StatesP5 member; lead penholder on Sudan and primary architect of sanctions
RussiaP5 veto-holder; aligned with parties accused of supplying SAF and RSF
ChinaP5 member emphasizing non-interference and state sovereignty
United KingdomP5 penholder on Sudan and key drafter of humanitarian resolutions
FranceP5 member championing veto restraint on mass atrocity situations
United Arab EmiratesRegional actor under scrutiny for alleged support to RSF in Sudan
United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
United Nations Environment Assembly: Plastics, Pollution, and the Triple Planetary Crisis
Key players
KenyaHost of UNEP/UNEA and African Group leader on plastics ambition
NorwayCo-chair of the High Ambition Coalition on plastics treaty
Saudi ArabiaLeading petrochemical producer resisting production caps
United StatesLargest economy with shifting position on binding production limits
ChinaWorld's largest plastics producer and key swing voter in INC talks
RwandaCo-sponsor of UNEA Resolution 5/14 and high-ambition advocate
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Annual Geopolitical Conference – “New Frontiers in Geopolitics” (2026).
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
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Country dossier
Related conferences
By committee
- United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
- United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- Paris International Conference on Cambodia (PICC; Historical)
- United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
- United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)