Corvinus hosted a prestigious international geopolitics workshop

It was organized by Nuno Morgado, Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies (CIAS) and the Lab of Geopolitics, representing the International Political Science Association (IPSA) (Research Committees 41-Geopolitics and 15-Political and Cultural Geography). 

Over three days, the workshop brought together leading experts and scholars from around the world (Europe, Russia, Israel, Hong Kong, and Australia), addressing pressing geopolitical issues, theoretical frameworks, and innovative research methodologies. Key themes included conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, emerging research methods, and regional geopolitical dynamics. 

The workshop commenced with a pre-workshop program at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) in Budapest. The opening lecture featured a lecture on the Future Potential Index, focusing on the future potentials of OECD countries. 

The official opening ceremony took place at Corvinus University, with welcoming remarks by Prof. Dr. Zoltán Oszkár Szántó (Vice-Rector for Research and Dean of CIAS), Nuno Morgado (Head of the Lab of Geopolitics, Board Member of IPSA RC41 Geopolitics), and Marta Zorko (University of Zagreb, Board Member of IPSA RC15 Political Geography). The keynote address by Prof. David Criekemans (University of Antwerp) was a thought-provoking exploration of theoretical developments in geopolitics, setting the tone for the workshop’s discussions. 

The workshop fostered the development of both professional and personal relationships, facilitating the discovery, discussion, and incorporation of new perspectives into academic work. This not only supported the expansion of participants’ professional insights but also contributed to the enrichment of the scientific field. 

In addition, the social events organized around the workshop were not only opportunities for the participants to network, but also to learn about the history and culture of Budapest and Hungary. 

After fruitful discussions, the delegates to the workshop agreed upon four final remarks: 

1. The importance of descriptive operational concepts (e.g. resources, borders) 

1. The multidisciplinary condition of geopolitics (from space and position to identity and demography) 

1. The variety of methodological toolkits 

1. The necessity of objectivity in the studies (and the refusal of ideological commitments) 

We look forward to continuing to build on these important professional insights through similar workshops and events in the future. 

The Eight International Workshop will take place next year, but the decision of its location is still to be taken. For further information, you can check the IPSA RC-41 Website.