The global economy is undergoing profound transformations. Intensifying geopolitical rivalries, geoeconomic fragmentation, technological competition, and shifting alliances are reshaping the international system. The post–Cold War liberal order appears increasingly contested, while emerging powers are challenging existing economic and political hierarchies. These developments raise fundamental questions: are we witnessing the emergence of a new multipolar order, or rather a period of prolonged global disorder?

This conference seeks to explore whether the emerging global system represents a transition toward a structured multipolar order or a phase of increasing fragmentation and disorder. At the same time, these developments intersect with pressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainability transitions, and digital transformation, raising critical questions about the future of cooperation and governance. Building on the themes of our previous conferences on globalization and the green and digital transition, we aim to bring together scholars from economics, international relations and political science, political economy, business studies, and further related disciplines to discuss the evolving structure of the global system and its implications for Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and the Visegrad region in particular.

Keynote speakers:

László Csaba (CEU and Corvinus University)

and

Marjan Svetličič (University of Ljubljana)

We welcome theoretical, empirical and policy-oriented contributions addressing topics including, but not limited to:

• the European Union and the Visegrad countries in a changing global order

• globalisation, fragmentation, and global value chains

• industrial policy and economic sovereignty

• international business and corporate strategy

• country and regional perspectives

• business networks, relations, and models

• sustainability and global disorder

Contributions from Visegrad aspects are especially welcome.

Types of contributions

We welcome:

• full academic papers

• extended abstracts (work in progress)

• policy-oriented papers

• country and business case studies

Interdisciplinary approaches are especially encouraged. Both conceptual and empirical papers, as well as policy-oriented contributions, are welcome.

Special sessions:

• PhD and Early Career Researcher track (Best Paper Award)

• policy and industry roundtable discussions

Submission:

Please send your abstract using the provided template to conference@eco.u-szeged.hu

Selected papers will be published after a peer review process in an online volume with an ISBN number.

Registration fees:

Normal: 50 EUR

PhD students: 25 EUR

Participation in social dinner: 40 EUR (extra)

Important dates:

Venue:

University of Szeged, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration

H-6722 Szeged, Kálvária sgt. 1. Hungary

Organizing Committee:

• Anita Pelle, SZTE GTK
• Magdolna Sass, SZTE GTK – CERS IWE
• Sarolta Somosi, SZTE GTK
• Anna Sebestyén, CERS IWE
• Zsófia Baller, CERS IWE
• Mónika Zákány, SZTE GTK

Further information: conference@eco.u-szeged.hu