CALL FOR PAPERS
Beyond Dividing Lines: Comparative insights into cross-border cooperation worldwide
Almaty & Kaskelen, Kazakhstan
September 23–26, 2026
Conference language: English
Format: in-person (on-site)
Abstract deadline: 31 May 2026
Concept and Scope
Cross-border cooperation is both a conceptually and practically important phenomenon. In practical terms, it can contribute to improving relations between neighbouring countries, enhancing the well-being of border communities, overcoming the marginal position of border territories, improving the planning of joint development, mitigating social problems and conflicts, and enabling more effective environmental management.
At the same time, the study of cross-border cooperation remains marked by significant imbalances. Some issues have been explored in considerable detail, while others remain much less developed, including the relative scarcity of competing definitions of cross-border cooperation itself. One of the most important imbalances is pronounced Eurocentrism, reflected in the overwhelming predominance of EU cases in both research and methodological literature.
While the findings derived from European cases are undoubtedly valuable, they emerged under exceptionally favourable conditions: strong political support for integration processes, generous funding, legally established regional autonomy for at least some forms of cross-border contact, and formal legal mechanisms enabling the functioning of cross-border institutions. By contrast, conditions that are far more typical worldwide include limited political support, scarce funding, tight centralised control over the international activities of regions, and a lack of projects specifically focused on cross-border cooperation.
This conference therefore focuses on the comparative study of cross-border cooperation worldwide — European and non-European, successful and unsuccessful alike.
We welcome papers that focus on international cooperation between adjacent border territories. Contributions dealing with cross-border meso-regions are also welcome. In order to make the study of non-European experiences more inclusive, the conference adopts a broad definition of cross-border cooperation: joint action by actors from two or more countries for the mutual benefit of communities in adjacent border territories, where such action is, or could realistically become, acceptable to the relevant authorities.
Who should apply
The conference welcomes applications from both scholars and practitioners working in the field of cross-border cooperation.
Early-career scholars are especially encouraged to apply.
Organising framework
The conference is being prepared by a research team implementing the project “Kazakhstan’s Cross-Border Cooperation with Neighbouring Central Asian States”, based in a university campus in Kaskelen, in the Almaty metropolitan area. The project and the conference are funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Submission procedure
To apply, please complete the registration form and submit an abstract of 200–300 words.
Applicants are also advised to send the same registration information by email to:
almabord2026@gmail.com.
Publication opportunity
Authors of papers selected for the conference will be expected to submit a 3,000–7,000-word manuscript based on their presentation by 25 August 2026. Manuscripts with clear practical implications are especially welcome. Wherever possible, contributions should offer policy or practice-oriented recommendations and draw out lessons that may be relevant for other countries.
Manuscripts that successfully pass peer review will be published in an open-access edited volume, which will be promoted through international academic networks and among relevant policy and decision-making communities.
Conference format and follow-up cooperation
The conference is planned as an in-person event. At the same time, the edited volume may also include selected manuscripts by authors who do not participate in the conference in person, provided that their submissions successfully pass peer review.
The conference will also serve as a venue for discussing possibilities for further cooperation, including joint events, collaborative research projects, guest lectures, and a possible proposal for a special issue in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.
Papers not considered
The organisers will not consider papers that:
- do not focus on border territories and cooperation between them (for example, papers on general trends in bilateral cooperation)
- are politically partisan, merely reproduce official policy positions without critical analysis, or adopt an overtly one-sided stance toward the parties involved
- lack originality.
Funding
As a rule, the organisers are not in a position to cover participants’ conference-related expenses.
Very limited grants are available for early-career researchers, and these may cover travel costs only partially. There is also a small possibility that the organisers may be able to cover part or all of the expenses for a very limited number of authors of the strongest papers, but no such support can be guaranteed.
Fees and additional activities
Thanks to grant support, no conference fee will be charged.
Depending on the final number of participants and available budget, participants may or may not be asked to contribute toward the cost of the conference reception.
Optional extra activities may also be offered on a paid basis, including possible excursions to the Kyrgyzstan or China border and to regional tourist sites.
Almaty region
Bordering China (including the Khorgos International CBC Centre) and Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek is a short distance from the Kordai–Ak Zhol crossing), the Almaty region offers rich opportunities for field-oriented discussions. September’s mild climate is ideal for site visits and mountain excursions.
Key dates
Abstract submission deadline: 31 May 2026
Notification of acceptance: 20 June 2026
Manuscript submission deadline: 25 August 2026.
Optional extra activities may also be offered on a paid basis, including possible excursions to the Kyrgyzstan or China border and to regional tourist sites.
Contact Information
Conference Chair: Professor Sergei Golunov
Email: almabord2026@gmail.com
Website: almabord2026.com