Call for Papers

As part of its ‘Peace, War and the World in European Security Challenges’ (POWERS) project aimed to promote scientific and evidence-based dialogue on the emerging security issues and future security scenarios in the Euro-Mediterranean region and neighboring countries based on a multidisciplinary and cooperation-oriented approach, the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS) at the University of Jordan invites you to participate in its second conference held under POWERS entitled “Deglobalization and Reglobaliztion: Security Challenges and the Implications of COVID-19 in the EuroMed” which will take place in Jordan, December, 17-19, 2021.

The 2-day conference will provide an opportunity to re-assess the global and regional security priorities, in particular, new emerging threats related to health, food and cyber-security will be discussed. In addition, geostrategic shifts and their security consequences will be the focus of discussion.

The conference will identify the changes/ absence of changes to global order transpired by COVID-19 pandemic, after almost two years of its emergence, and will take into account the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements utilization and the fourth industrial revolution in mounting to a desired level of outcome to overall security.

This call for papers is for POWERS partners across the EuroMed, global think-tanks, academics, experts, and decision makers.

Conference Rationale

Since the start of globalization, humanity has been observing emerging areas of threat; concerning health, environment and food. The accelerated rate of economic, cultural and political interconnection, also known as the process of hyper-globalization which began in the 1990s and continues into the 21st century, largely contributed to the unprecedented scale and rate of the newly emerged Sars-Cov-2 (COVID-19) virus’ inter-continental transmission.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on global security, including on organised crime and violent extremism. Cybercrime has emerged rapidly as a risk with long-term implications for the growth of criminal markets. The threat of violent extremism is also being exacerbated. More young people are spending more time at home and online, and are thus more susceptible to online recruitment and radicalisation.

One way or another COVID-19 entered into every home, spreading not only the air-borne respiratory disease, but also mass-scale anxiety, insecurity and uncertainty.

As governments continue to flounder about effectively balancing between eliminating the virus and saving lives on one hand, while preserving the economy and security from long-term destruction on the other, health experts are anticipating a dreadful ‘twindemic’; in the event of which current challenges are likely to be further exacerbated.

Since the early stages of the outbreak, His Majesty King Abdullah II has been calling on world leaders for the need to a renewed structure of international cooperation and a redefinition to globalization, in order to enhance international and individual security.

“Threats do not come in silos, and the solutions cannot be in silos”
– His Majesty King Abdullah II

The CSS is inviting upon its POWERS partners and security experts of European-Mediterranean matters from across the globe to discuss the fundamental notion, structure and framework of this call for ‘re-globalization’ in the context of security, given its prominence in mitigating the impact of future shocks through a recalibrated world system.

Key Topics

Contributions are welcome in the form of academic, research, policy or white papers. The four main themes selected for the conference are listed below, however, other related topics are welcome.

— A. Shifting the Dynamics of Security in the EuroMed: Exhibiting Solidarity as Mode for Survival

Including but not limited to:

Defining re-globalization in the context of security in post-COVID-19 era

Describing the various security challenges emerging as a result of the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic (short term and long term)

Analysing the risks of climate change and other health emergencies on the EuroMed security

Criticizing the efficacy of existing security policies in combating modern-day potential security crises

Highlighting the importance of global cooperation in preparing for future shocks and similar events to COVID-19

— B. Navigating the Humanitarian Crisis of COVID-19: Threat of Transnational Insecurity

Including but not limited to:

Discussing the impact of COVID-19 on human security and development indicators

Examining the scope of human rights compromise in light of life-threatening circumstances

Shedding light on the status quo of vulnerable groups (women, children, youth, refugees, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities)

Stressing on the substantial humanitarian-costs of double-crises in war zones/ countries

Studying the impact of global crises in parallel with COVID-19 on food security

Highlighting the three pillars; economic self-sufficiency, educational revolution and industrial security in combating humanitarian crises

— C. The Coronavirus Pandemic: An Impasse or an Opportunity for Cyber Security and Privacy

Including but not limited to:

Defining Cyber Security in a new multipolar reality, crowned by COVID-19

Re-strategizing measures to mitigate cyber threats post-crisis

Discussing the importance of sacrificing personal privacy versus maintaining the integrity of national and human security (moral versus practical approach)

— D. Manoeuvring Future Pandemics: Lessons Learnt in the 21st Century

Including but not limited to:

Building future scenarios for the Euro-Med in the context of security

Understanding the importance of investing in utilization of AI and robotics in maintaining security during global crises (providing examples)

Discussing key takeaway lessons from COVID-19 pandemic

Important Dates & Links

• ■ Registration Date: November 20, 2021 – 23:59 p.m. (GMT+3) at https://forms.office.com/r/c7g7wHf4iS
• ■ Abstract Submission Date: November 30, 2021 - 23:59 p.m. (GMT+3) at https://forms.office.com/r/xLijkFMQnB
• ■ Confirmation of Abstract Approval: through email.
• ■ Paper Submission Date: December 9, 2021 - 23:59 p.m. (GMT+3) at https://forms.office.com/r/rPrvE4hQ73
• ■ For inquiries please contact:
  Dr. Alakyaz Assadorian – Assistant Academic Coordinator (CSS) at Email: a.assadorian@css-jordan.org