Peace, Democracy, and Media

Rethinking the Emerging Global Order and its Impact on Iran

The world is undergoing a profound transformation. War is no longer an exception but a renewed political strategy, democracy faces existential threats, and the media, once a force for accountability, has become a battleground for truth. As global powers recalibrate their positions in an increasingly fragmented world, Iran stands at a critical juncture, shaped by both internal struggles and external pressures.

Our conference, Peace, Democracy, and Media, seeks to critically dissect the shifting world order - its ideological fractures, power struggles, and media landscapes - while exploring how these forces converge in the Iranian context both inside Iran and in the diaspora. By bringing together scholars, philosophers, theorists, researchers, and journalists, we aim to move beyond surface narratives and engage in a deep, interdisciplinary interrogation of the forces shaping Iran and the world at large.

Time and Venue

In The Hague—the city of peace and justice—this two-day conference will be held on June 19-20, 2025, at Leiden University’s The Hague campus, as part of the Just Peace Festival and alongside the NATO Summit. The Just Peace Festival is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative organised by The Hague Humanity Hub, Leiden University, through the Global Transformations and Governance Challenges Programme, Spreeek, and the Municipality of The Hague.

Organized by Iran Academia (Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities - ISSH), this event provides a unique intellectual platform where scholars, journalists, and thinkers critically engage with the complexities of peace, democracy, and media. With limited seating (200 attendees) and a highly selective call for papers, this gathering offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the emerging world order and its impact on Iran—inside and across its diaspora.

June 19–20, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Leiden University – Campus The Hague – Auditorium Hall

Schouwburgstraat 2, 2511 VA The Hague, Netherlands

Themes

Various suggested themes include, but are not limited to:

1. The Global Crisis of Democracy and the Rising Discourse of War

1. U.S., NATO, and the Middle East: Power Relations and Global Shifts – How evolving geopolitical strategies shape regional and global dynamics.
2. Iran’s Nuclear Program and the Politics of War – The narratives, stakes, and implications of Iran’s nuclear ambitions within the emerging world order.
3. Democratic Movements and Civil Society – The impact of rising authoritarianism and the erosion of peace on the rights, freedoms, and resilience of women, minorities, social movements, and democratic institutions.
4. The Global Far-Right and Its Influence on Iran – How the rise of authoritarian nationalism and radical-right forces shape Iran’s far-right discourse and political imagination.
5. Media as Battlefield: Truth, Propaganda, and Ethics in a Polarized Age

1. The Fragile State of Media as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy – Do the media and journalism in general remain to be a watchdog of power? Or has the crisis of credibility, fear, and financial dependency of the press and journalists turned them into hostages of political and corporate interests?
2. The Landscape of Iranian Media: State-controlled, independent, alternative, and mainstream media in the diaspora: power struggles, narratives, and credibility challenges.
3. Journalism and Authoritarianism – Ethical, psychological, and professional dilemmas of journalists and the media in reporting under repression and conflict.

Submission Guidelines

We welcome abstracts for high-impact presentations that contribute to the intellectual depth and practical relevance of the conference. Given the limited time and limited capacity (200 attendees) and the high-profile nature of our audience, only a select number of submissions will be accepted.

Abstract Requirements:

Length: Maximum 400 words

Language: English or Persian

Format: Word Document

Submission Deadline: 15 April 2025

Acceptance Announcement: No later than 30 April 2025

How to Submit:

Submit your English abstract via https://iranacademia.com/abstract-submission/?lang=en 

Submit your Persian abstract via https://iranacademia.com/conference-submission/ 

Include a short bio (150 words) and institutional affiliation

Conference Structure

The conference will feature: 

1. Keynote Speeches (TBA)
2. Panels & Roundtables
3. Networking Event

Why Submit?

This conference offers a unique platform to engage with global experts, challenges prevailing narratives, and strives to contribute to high-level discussions on peace, democracy, and media. Selected speakers will participate in an exclusive forum where critical perspectives center in an era of rising global tensions.

Moreover, this event is part of the Just Peace Festival, a city-wide gathering in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice, that brings together scholars, activists, artists, and the public through debates, cultural events, film screenings, exhibitions, and interactive sessions.

Attending this conference means more than participating in a single discussion; it is an opportunity to connect with a broader network of changemakers, engage in meaningful dialogue, and experience a festival atmosphere that blends intellectual rigor with creative expression.

Contact & Further Information

For inquiries, please contact contact@iranacademia.education 

Visit our website: https://iranacademia.com/international-conferences/pdm-2025/?lang=en

We look forward to your contributions in shaping a constructive and reflective dialogue at this historic moment.