National Autonomous University of Mexico

University Program of Studies in Asia, Africa and Oceania

Continuities, Transformations, and Strategic Engagement in the International Order: Sixty Years of Mexico–Australia Relations

Call for papers

Dates: October 26–29, 2026
Time: 16:00–18:00 (GMT-6, Mexico City)

Format: Hybrid

• In-person: University City, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City
• Online: Zoom platform for presenters and audience members

Background and Objectives

In a context of profound transformations in the international order, Mexico and Australia have consolidated their positions as influential middle powers whose geopolitical locations and regional engagements invite renewed reflection on transpacific cooperation. Over the past six decades, both countries have developed a dynamic bilateral relationship shaped by shared commitments to multilateralism, economic openness, regional connectivity, and international cooperation.

Organized within the framework of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Australia, this colloquium offers an opportunity to examine the historical evolution, achievements, challenges, and future prospects of this bilateral partnership.

The event aims to analyze Mexico–Australia relations from an interdisciplinary perspective that brings together scholars from international relations, political science, history, sociology, anthropology, economics, and the humanities. Beyond diplomatic and economic interactions, the colloquium seeks to foster critical reflection on the social, cultural, and intellectual dimensions that shape both societies.

Particular attention will be given to comparative perspectives on inequality, public policy, social change, Indigenous knowledge systems, and decolonial approaches. In this regard, the colloquium highlights the potential of Mexico and Australia not only as strategic partners but also as sites for the production of critical knowledge capable of challenging Eurocentric frameworks and contributing to broader global debates.

The colloquium will also examine the participation of both countries in multilateral forums such as APEC, the G20, the OECD, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), reflecting on their contributions to global governance, sustainable development, and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

We invite scholars, researchers, graduate students, early-career researchers, and practitioners to contribute to an interdisciplinary dialogue aimed at identifying opportunities for cooperation while rethinking the role of Mexico and Australia as key actors in the contemporary international order.

Key Dates

*Notification date subject to adjustment by the organizing committee.

Participation and Registration

Participation in the colloquium is free of charge. No registration fee will be required for presenters or attendees.

The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participation both in person at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and online via Zoom.

Who Should Apply?

The organizing committee welcomes submissions from:

• Scholars and researchers
• Graduate students
• Early-career researchers
• Policy specialists and practitioners
• Professionals working on issues related to Mexico, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, Indigenous studies, public policy, and international cooperation.

We particularly encourage proposals that adopt interdisciplinary, comparative, and innovative approaches to the study of Mexico–Australia relations and transpacific engagement.

Thematic Panels

Panel 1. Historical Foundations of Mexico–Australia Relations

October 26, 2026

This panel explores the origins and historical evolution of Mexico–Australia relations, including early contacts, diplomatic recognition, and the development of bilateral ties within broader regional and global contexts.

Panel 2. Bilateral Relations and Strategic Cooperation

October 27, 2026

This panel examines contemporary diplomatic, political, economic, and strategic relations between Mexico and Australia, focusing on current areas of cooperation and future opportunities for partnership.

Panel 3. Comparative Social Dynamics: Society, Inequality, and Public Policy

October 28, 2026

This panel addresses comparative perspectives on social structures in Mexico and Australia, including inequality, migration, Indigenous communities, gender relations, and public policy responses. Contributions may explore how both societies confront contemporary social challenges within distinct historical and institutional contexts.

Panel 4. Knowledge, Indigeneity, and Decolonial Perspectives

October 29, 2026

This panel welcomes comparative analyses of Indigenous knowledge systems, epistemologies, and cultural practices in Mexico and Australia. Topics may include colonial legacies, dispossession, contemporary struggles for recognition, and decolonial approaches in academia, culture, and public discourse.

Submission Guidelines

Submit proposals to:

• extension.pueaa@unam.mx
• academica.pueaa@unam.mx

Proposals should include:

• Name
• Institutional affiliation
• Email address
• Selected thematic panel (1–4)
• Title of the proposed presentation
• Abstract (maximum 150 words)

Submission Deadline

July 30, 2026

Authors will be notified of the outcome of the review process by mid-August 2026.

Publication Opportunity

Authors of accepted proposals will be invited to present their work during the colloquium and subsequently submit a full written version of their contribution for consideration in a collective publication coordinated by PUEAAO.

Submission guidelines, editorial requirements, and deadlines for the publication will be communicated after the conclusion of the colloquium. All manuscripts will be subject to the editorial review procedures established by the PUEAAO Editorial Committee.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

• extension.pueaa@unam.mx

Dates:

Mexico City: Octuber 26 – Octuber 29, 16.00 – 18.00, (GMT-6)

Format

On site: University City, UNAM, Mexico City

Zoom for online presenters and audience.