Fictional Worlds, Political Realities: Theories of International Relations in the Realms of Popular Culture
Fictional stories, whether conveyed through literature, cinema, comics or video games, play an influential role in public discourse. Over the last twenty years, political scientists have begun seeing the value in using fictional case studies as teaching instruments, explaining Theories of International Relations through the lens of popular culture. This pedagogical approach has proven effective in motivating students to think about International Relations Theory, enhancing conceptual understanding and fostering critical thinking.
Building on this development, Constructivist and Critical approaches to International Relations have begun to explore the nexus and co-constitution of fictional and real world international relations. Just as fictional worlds are shaped by their authors' experiences with international politics, so too does the consumption of fiction shape societal perception of real world international relations. In other words, fictional worlds are both a cultural artifact reflecting prevailing ideas about international politics, and a forum where political norms and ideas are contested, reproduced and diffused.
Finally, a third strand of research proposes using fictional cases to test, evaluate, and further develop Theories of International Relations. This approach helps mitigate the constraints posed by the limited number of real-world cases available for empirical examination. Additionally, fiction often allows for better tracing of decision-making processes. Simultaneously however, the fictional nature of these cases creates significant methodological challenges which have to be accounted for.
The conference will focus on the interaction between popular fiction and International Relations Theory. We look forward to paper/presentation proposals following any of the three approaches outlined above: The pedagogical approach explains a Theory of International Relations by applying it to (a) fictional case(s). The Constructivist co-constituative approach explores how International Relations and Pop-Culture influence each other. The theory-testing approach tests and revises a Theory of International Relations by using the findings of fictional case(s). Equally welcome are topic-related arguments from interdisciplinary perspectives, including but not limited to psychology, sociology, history, as well as literary, cultural and media studies. We are also open to paper presentations focusing on the limitations of fictional cases. We explicitly welcome not just case studies, but also comparative, large-n and critical perspectives. If you wish to apply as a presenter, please send a 300-500 Word abstract for a presentation to jena(at)sicherheitspolitik(dot)de latest by the 22nd of February 2026.
It is also possible to discuss your idea for a paper in a workshop format without being a presenter. Therefore, please also contact us if you would be interested in discussing your research project in a workshop. Note that you will still be able to join workshops without prior registry, but not able to pitch your own research projects for discussion.
If you wish to participate in the event without presenting a paper or a research project, please register by sending an e-mail to jena@sicherheitspolitik.de with the subject line “Registration [enter your name here]” and include your Name, Date of Birth, and Institute/University/Study Programme in the e-mail. You may register as a guest until the 22nd of March 2026.
Please note that we are unable to reimburse travel and accommodation expenses.
How to Apply as a Presenter
Submissions must include:
- summary of your core argument
- brief explanation of your choice of fictional case(s)
- brief explanation of your methodology
- Optional: short preliminary bibliography
- Word limit: 500 words
- Language: English
How to Participate in a Workshop
You can either sit in on workshops discussing other peoples’ ideas, or pitch your own research project for a guided discussion. For the latter, please send us a short email including topic and fictional cases you are researching, as well as questions and problems you are encountering in research.
To: jena@sicherheitspolitik.de
Due date: latest by the 22nd of February 2026.
For further information, examples and suggested readings, please consult the Submission Guide