International Conference of Emerging Diplomatic Studies (EDIS) – 3rd Edition
The International Conference of Emerging Diplomatic Studies (EDIS) is set to convene its third edition in Genoa, Italy. This academic gathering focuses on the evolving landscape of diplomacy, bringing together scholars and practitioners to discuss contemporary challenges and innovations in the field. The conference aims to foster a deeper understanding of diplomatic practices in a rapidly changing global environment. Participants will engage with research that explores new theoretical frameworks and empirical studies relevant to modern diplomacy. The event provides a platform for intellectual exchange and networking among those dedicated to advancing the study and practice of international relations.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
In an era marked by complex geopolitical shifts and technological advancements, the mechanisms of diplomacy are under constant re-evaluation. Events like EDIS are crucial for dissecting these changes and proposing adaptive strategies. The conference's focus on 'emerging' diplomatic studies underscores the necessity for continuous dynamic analysis and innovation in how states and non-state actors interact on the global stage.
The discussions at EDIS contribute to a more nuanced understanding of international relations, moving beyond traditional state-centric models to include the roles of various stakeholders. This broader perspective is vital for developing effective engagement strategies and addressing global issues ranging from climate change to cybersecurity. By examining new forms of diplomatic engagement, the conference helps to shape future policy and academic discourse.
Furthermore, the gathering in Genoa, ITA, provides a European focal point for these discussions, drawing on the continent's rich history of diplomatic practice while looking forward to future challenges. The insights generated here can inform policy-makers and practitioners, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate an increasingly interconnected and volatile world. This commitment to scholarly inquiry directly supports the development of more robust and responsive diplomatic frameworks.
How to prepare
Prospective participants should prepare by familiarizing themselves with current trends in international relations and diplomatic theory. Submissions and presentations should aim to offer novel insights or methodologies that push the boundaries of existing scholarship. Consider how your research addresses the 'emerging' aspects of diplomacy, whether through new actors, new tools, or new challenges.
Given the academic nature of the conference, a strong theoretical foundation coupled with empirical evidence will be highly valued. Attendees should be ready to engage in rigorous debate and contribute to a collaborative intellectual environment. Preparing questions and discussion points related to other participants' work can enhance the overall experience and foster productive dialogue.
For those presenting, it is advisable to clearly articulate the relevance of your work to contemporary diplomatic studies and its potential impact on policy or practice. Think about the broader implications of your findings and how they might inform stakeholder mapping or hidden stakeholders in complex international scenarios. Highlighting the practical applications of your research will resonate strongly with both academic and practitioner audiences.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
ItalyAs the host nation, ITA provides a historical and contemporary backdrop for diplomatic discourse.
Role in topic
ITA, with its deep historical ties to diplomacy and its current role within European and global institutions, offers a relevant context for discussions on emerging diplomatic studies. Its position in the Mediterranean also highlights its engagement with diverse regional diplomatic challenges.
FranceFRA is a key player in traditional and multilateral diplomacy, contributing to evolving diplomatic norms.
Role in topic
FRA, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a leading voice in the European Union, is instrumental in shaping international diplomatic norms and practices. Its engagement in various global crises and its advocacy for multilateralism make its perspective crucial for understanding emerging diplomatic trends.
GermanyDEU's economic and political influence positions it as a significant contributor to modern diplomatic strategies.
Role in topic
DEU's substantial economic power and its commitment to multilateralism mean it plays a pivotal role in contemporary diplomacy. Its approach to issues such as climate change, humanitarian aid, and European integration offers valuable case studies for emerging diplomatic strategies.
United StatesThe USA's global reach and influence necessitate its involvement in all aspects of emerging diplomacy.
Role in topic
The USA, as a global superpower, influences nearly every aspect of international relations and diplomacy. Its foreign policy decisions, technological innovations, and engagement with international institutions are critical for understanding and shaping emerging diplomatic studies.
United KingdomGBR's post-Brexit diplomatic strategy offers insights into adapting to new international realities.
Role in topic
GBR's ongoing redefinition of its global role post-Brexit provides a unique lens through which to examine emerging diplomatic strategies, particularly concerning trade, security, and multilateral engagement outside traditional blocs.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Diplomatics: The Critical Study of Historical Documents
Key players
- France
Birthplace of modern diplomatics through Mabillon and home to the École des Chartes.
- Germany
Hosts the Monumenta Germaniae Historica, a central institution for editing medieval documents.
- Italy
Custodian of vast notarial and papal archives, including the Vatican Secret Archives.
Vatican CityHolds the papal chancery records foundational to ecclesiastical diplomatics.
SpainMajor centre of medieval Iberian charter studies and royal chancery research.
AustriaLeading hub for digital diplomatics through projects like Monasterium.net.
Medieval Documentary Sources
Key players
- Vatican City
Holds the largest continuous archive of medieval ecclesiastical documentation in Europe.
- Italy
Pioneered notarial culture and preserves dense urban and seigneurial archives.
- France
Custodian of major royal, monastic, and seigneurial documentary collections.
- United Kingdom
Holds exceptionally complete royal administrative records from the twelfth century onward.
- Germany
Preserves imperial diplomas and a vast network of monastic and episcopal archives.
EgyptHome to the Cairo Geniza, a key non-Latin documentary corpus for the medieval Mediterranean.
Acquisition, Management, and Transfer of Patrimonial Resources
Key players
- Italy
Notarial archives provide the densest evidence of patrimonial transactions in pre-modern Europe.
- Spain
Developed the mayorazgo and extensive seigneurial archives documenting patrimonial transmission.
- France
Site of diverse customary law regimes shaping inheritance and seigneurial management.
PortugalPreserves rich notarial and ecclesiastical records on family and institutional patrimonies.
- Germany
Home to a wide array of imperial, princely, and ecclesiastical patrimonial regimes.
- Vatican City
Canon law and papal jurisdiction governed ecclesiastical patrimony across Latin Christendom.
Recording and Conservation Strategies for Historical Records
Key players
- France
Pioneered modern national archival organization and the principle of respect des fonds.
- Spain
Home to Simancas and the Archivo General de Indias, models of early modern state archives.
- Vatican City
Maintains one of the oldest continuously administered archival systems in the world.
- United Kingdom
The National Archives at Kew set influential standards for cataloguing and digital preservation.
- United States
Leader in digital preservation research and standards through NARA and the Library of Congress.
- Germany
Hosts major conservation science institutions and federated state archival networks.
Management of Women's Assets in Pre-Modern Societies
Key players
- Italy
Notarial and dotal records from city-states like Florence and Venice are central to the field.
- Spain
Iberian legal pluralism produced rich documentation of female property and dowry regimes.
- Portugal
Preserves extensive testamentary and dotal sources on women's patrimonial roles.
- France
Diverse customary regimes shaped sharply contrasting frameworks for women's property.
- United Kingdom
Common-law coverture and equitable workarounds offer a key comparative case.
TurkeyOttoman court registers document women's active use of mahr, inheritance, and waqf endowments.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for International Conference of Emerging Diplomatic Studies (EDIS) – 3rd Edition.
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