Headshot of Michael C Williams in a black suit

#BISA2027 conference keynote announced

We are excited to announce that the keynote speaker for #BISA2027 will be esteemed scholar Professor Michael C Williams, currently affiliated with the University of Ottawa and Queen Mary University of London. The title of Michael’s keynote will be ‘IR and the Right’.  

Michael C Williams is Professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, and a Global Professorial Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary, University of London. His most recent books include the co-authored World of the Right: Radical Conservatism and International Order (Cambridge University Press, 2024) and Developing Hegemony: World Order and the Transnational Field of Development (Stanford University Press, 2026). 

Conference programme chair, Professor Simon Rushton, said: 

“Michael is one of the leading scholars working on international security, political thought and IR theory, with a particular interest in how ideas shape political action and the changing nature of international order. His work speaks directly to the questions at the heart of this year’s conference: how we understand a world in which established orders are increasingly contested and fragmented, and how we might think about the possibilities for shared futures. I’m sure his keynote will stimulate some fascinating discussion across our community.” 

The 2027 conference theme is: Fragmenting orders, shared futures: Global politics in turbulent times. The conference will be held in Manchester from 30 June to 2 July 2027.  

At the BISA conference you can join a dynamic community of specialists from around the world to discuss, debate, and advance the field of international studies. Whether you're presenting your latest research, seeking insightful feedback, or simply looking to engage in thought-provoking discussions, our conference offers something for everyone. 

In addition to the keynote by Michael C Williams, the conference will include: 

  • Three days of inspiring, provocative and diverse panels and roundtables 

  • Public lecture the evening prior to the conference (soon to be announced!) 

  • Conference drinks reception 

  • Social programme including a Postgraduate Network/first-timer meet up, and an early-morning 5km run around Manchester. 

Abstract, panel and roundtable submissions are open now until 6 November. 

We are grateful to Manchester Accommodation BID for providing support towards our 2027 conference. 

Visit the conference website