The Prospects of Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and International Security
Bologna, Italy
18–19 May 2026
The Asia Institute at the University of Bologna and the Korea Institute for National Unification, in collaboration with the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea, will host an international academic conference on 18–19 May 2026 in Bologna, Italy.
This conference aims to examine the evolving prospects for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and their implications for regional and international security. Amid shifting great-power relations, prolonged stalemate in inter-Korean relations, and growing uncertainty surrounding deterrence, diplomacy, and alliance politics, the Korean Peninsula remains a critical site for reassessing concepts of peace, coexistence, and security in the 21st century.
We invite scholars and practitioners to submit original papers that engage with questions related to peaceful coexistence, conflict management, and security on the Korean Peninsula, broadly defined.
Possible Themes
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Concepts and models of peaceful coexistence in divided or post-conflict societies;
- Inter-Korean relations and prospects for coexistence short of unification;
- Nuclear deterrence, arms control, and strategic stability on the Peninsula;
- US–ROK alliance, China, Japan, Russia, and great-power dynamics;
- The Korean Peninsula and the evolving international security order;
- The Korean Peninsula and its implications for European and Euro-Atlantic security;
- International law, peace regimes, and confidence-building measures;
- Public opinion, identity, and domestic constraints on peace initiatives.
Submission Guidelines
Participants are invited to submit an abstract of approximately 300 words, clearly outlining the research question, methodology, and contribution. Accepted presenters will be expected to submit a working paper in advance of the conference.
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 8 March 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 20 March 2026
- Full Paper Deadline: 8 May 2026
- Submission: Please send abstracts to asiainstitute@unibo.it
Participant Provisions
- Accommodation: All presenters will be provided with three nights of accommodation in Bologna.
- Catering: All lunches and dinners during the conference will be hosted by the organizers.
- Travel: Participants are responsible for their own airfare.
Further details regarding publication plans will be announced in due course.
The conference organizers welcome contributions from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including political science, international relations, security studies, law, economics, sociology, and related fields. Early-career scholars are especially encouraged to apply.