Emerging Voices for U.S.-China Cooperation 2026
Call for Papers: Globalization After Globalization: Geo-economics and the Prospects for Peace

Emerging Voices for U.S.-China Cooperation 2026 will be held August 30 – September 5 in Nanjing and Guangzhou, China.

We are pleased to invite early career policy professionals, academics, and advanced graduate students to submit individual, policy-oriented paper proposals around this year’s theme – Globalization After Globalization: Geo-economics and the Prospects for Peace. There is a contradiction in the apparent U.S.-China trade stalemate and continuing trends throughout the international system away from economic interconnection and toward geo-economics. The era of globalization is over, yet globalization continues.

While neither side of the U.S.-China rivalry boasts a distinct vision of the future nor the ability to form clearly defined camps (a la the Cold War), trade and supply chain tensions between the United States and China have resulted in rapid securitization across many sectors, increased likelihood of domestic and international conflicts, and uncertainty in humanity’s ability to face global challenges like climate change.

We encourage submissions that seek new ways of defining these tensions in the current global order and assessing what should be done to build long term peace either between the United States and China or in regions deeply impacted by their rivalry.

This year’s event will include a one-day conference of early career professionals and academics at Nanjing
University and attendance at the 20th China goes Global forum at South China University of Technology.

Eligibility: Participants must have completed a higher education degree within the last five years (2021 or later) or be currently enrolled in a relevant graduate studies program. Participants who have completed their degree must be currently employed or affiliated with an organization that engages with U.S.-China relations as a regular aspect of its operation. Unpaid, non-resident fellows are welcome to apply.

Submission Requirements: For consideration, please submit a 250-word abstract along with a two-page CV , an unofficial transcript from your most recent degree-granting institution, and proof of affiliation If your proposal is accepted, a full paper (3,000 words) will be due prior to the conference. Please submit all materials as a single PDF to Nick Zeller at nick.zeller@cartercenter.org.

Schedule & Deadlines:

  • June 30, 2026 – Submission of Abstract and Application Packet
  • July 10, 2025 – Acceptance Notice
  • August 24, 2025 – Full papers due
  • August 29 – September 5 – Event in Nanjing and Guangzhou (travel to China on August 29)

Publication: If accepted, all participants agree to the publication of their full paper on the U.S.-China Perception Monitor blog and newsletter (a publication operated by The Carter Center).

Emerging Voice for U.S. -China Cooperation 2026 is co-organized by The Carter Center, the Academy for Contemporary China and World Studies, and the Chinese Globalization Association.

Travel to China, lodging, and all meals in country will be provided by The Carter Center for selected participants.

Questions? Contact Nick Zeller at The Carter Center – nick.zeller@cartercenter.org