This year's Diplomatic Academy Students Initiative Conference (DASICON) was held on 27 February 2026 at the Vienna School of International Studies and focused on development opportunities for diplomacy at a time of profound global disruptions. Under the title "Beyond Order: Diplomacy in an Age of Systemic Transformation", international experts from politics, science and diplomacy discussed possible future scenarios for the international order.
Diplomacy in global transformation
DASICON is an international conference organised exclusively by students at the Vienna School of International Studies. It is open to the public and provides a platform for experts, interested students and stakeholders to analyse and discuss current challenges in international politics.
DASICON 2026 was based on the notion that the current world order is in the middle of a profound transformation. Inspired by structural theories on historical change processes, the experts did not debate whether the international system is changing, but concentrated on discussing the course and direction of these changes, and the potential role of diplomacy in this context. At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions and global crises, it is important to consider how international cooperation can be organised against the backdrop of increasing pressure on established structures and principles.
In four thematic panels, the participants analysed the central dynamics of this transformation, discussing possible scenarios for the collapse of existing international structures and shifts in the global power balance, structural causes of increasing instability, and perspectives for a revival of global governance. The conference aimed to bring together different perspectives regarding the future of the international community, and reflect on the role diplomacy can play in meeting complex global challenges.
The Vienna School of International Studies
The City of Vienna has a partnership with the Vienna School of International Studies, which offers a range of degree programmes like MA in International Studies and MSc in Environmental Technology and International Affairs, as well as organising lectures on current topics. The Vienna School of International Studies is an integral part of Vienna. It counts among the world’s leading schools for students planning an international career.