ISA/APSA International Security Studies Conference 2026
The ISA/APSA International Security Studies Conference is a collaborative event focusing on critical issues in international security. Hosted in the city of Los Angeles, USA, this conference brings together scholars and practitioners to engage with the evolving landscape of global security. The event provides a platform for in-depth discussions, presenting research, and fostering intellectual exchange among participants.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
This conference is significant because it convenes leading minds in international security studies to address complex global challenges. The discussions and research presented at this event contribute to a deeper understanding of interstate relations, conflict resolution, and the various dimensions of security in the contemporary world. It offers a crucial forum for analyzing current threats and developing innovative approaches to maintain peace and stability.
The collaboration between ISA and APSA underscores a commitment to rigorous academic inquiry and policy-relevant discussions. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the conference aims to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications, influencing both academic discourse and real-world policy formulation. The insights generated here can inform national security strategies and international cooperation efforts.
How to prepare
To maximize engagement at this conference, attendees should prepare by familiarizing themselves with current debates in international security. Consider how theoretical frameworks, such as those discussed in the lesson on "Dynamic Analysis," can be applied to contemporary security challenges. Participants should also be ready to present their own research or engage critically with the work of others, contributing to a robust intellectual environment.
Prospective attendees should also consider the broader implications of security studies for various stakeholders. Understanding "What Is Stakeholder Mapping?" and identifying "Hidden Stakeholders" can enhance discussions on policy effectiveness and the impact of security decisions. Preparing to discuss diverse perspectives, including those related to "Gender Dynamics Across Cultures," will also enrich the dialogue and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of global security issues.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 1 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.
International Security Studies: Emerging Technologies and the Future of Strategic Stability
Key players
United StatesLead alliance architect and primary driver of emerging-tech security policy and arms-control diplomacy.
ChinaPrincipal strategic competitor shaping AI, space, and Indo-Pacific security debates.
RussiaRevisionist power whose war in Ukraine and nuclear signaling have reframed European security.
United KingdomP5 member and hub of security studies scholarship, active in AI safety and cyber norms.
FranceEU strategic-autonomy advocate influential in space, nuclear, and Sahel security policy.
IndiaRising power balancing nonalignment with deepening Indo-Pacific security partnerships.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for ISA/APSA International Security Studies Conference 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