Geopolitics, International Law and the New Global Order Debated at ULusófona

The 2nd Alexandre Herculano Conference Series took place at Lusófona University – Porto University Centre and brought together academics, diplomats, senior officers and researchers to analyse the main challenges of contemporary international politics.

Over 5 hours and across three panels, the event promoted critical reflection on geopolitical tensions, new dynamics in international law and the directions of the global order. The opening session was conducted by Rui Albuquerque, Deputy Director of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, who highlighted the importance of bringing to the academic community debates aligned with central contemporary themes, arguing that “higher education must promote critical thinking and facilitate the circulation of knowledge within academia”.

The panels were structured around three major themes. The first, dedicated to international tensions and the role of emerging powers, was moderated by lecturer Ana Gonçalves and featured contributions from Tiago André Lopes, lecturer at Universidade Lusíada, Colonel Carlos Mendes Dias, specialist in strategy and security studies, and concluded by lecturer Paulo Duarte, who synthesised the insights presented.

The second panel focused on the new challenges of international law and brought together Ambassador Luís de Almeida Sampaio, specialist in diplomacy and external relations, lecturer Catherine Maia, dedicated to the study of multilateral institutions, and lecturer Mário Nuno Neves, who addressed the contemporary dynamics of international governance.

The third panel, focused on the new international order, featured contributions from global politics researcher Diana Soller, General Frederico Rovisco Duarte, specialist in security and strategy, and political analyst Manuel Poêjo. The closing remarks were delivered by Henrique Varajidás, who highlighted the academic relevance of the reflections developed throughout the meeting.

The closing of the 2nd Alexandre Herculano Conference Series was delivered by António Tavares, Director of the Master’s in International Relations at Lusófona University, who thanked all speakers and participants, stressing the importance of this kind of initiative.

The event established itself as an essential gathering space for specialists, lecturers and students, reaffirming the commitment of Lusófona University to promoting critical reflection, academic rigour and interdisciplinary dialogue. Through the various themes discussed, the conference series contributed to strengthening collective understanding of the challenges shaping the international system, reinforcing the institution’s mission to prepare citizens capable of interpreting and acting upon the complexities of the contemporary world.

View the Event Photos on Lusófona University’s Facebook Page

Text
Gabriel Motta

Photography
Lara Sousa

Editing
Lara Sousa