2027 Conference: Treaties and Tributes: Asian Agency and Performativity in Cross-Cultural Diplomacy, c. 1400–1975

Treaties and Tributes: Asian Agency and Performativity in Cross-Cultural Diplomacy, c. 1400–1975

19–21 February 2027 | Bangkok, Thailand | On site only

This international conference examines the history of diplomatic and interpolity relations in Asia, with a focus on the agency and perspectives of Asian actors. From rulers, envoys, and officials to merchants, interpreters, and religious teachers, the conference highlights how Asian actors shaped tributary relationships, treaty-making, and commercial exchanges across six centuries of cross-cultural diplomacy.

Hosted by Thammasat University's Faculty of Political Science, Pridi Banomyong International College, and the Thai Khadi Research Institute — in collaboration with the Historical Treaties of Southeast Asia research programme at Linnaeus University — this is the second in a series of three international conferences on cross-cultural diplomacy in Asia.

Scholars at all career levels and from anywhere in the world are invited to submit proposals for panels or individual papers. PhD students and early-career researchers, especially those based in Asia, are particularly encouraged to apply. Themes include tributary relations, treaty-making, diplomatic ceremony and protocol, religious and commercial aspects of diplomacy, gender dimensions, linguistic translation, and the material and physical properties of diplomatic documents and artefacts.

Participation is free of charge for all presenters and active panel participants. A limited number of travel scholarships are available for scholars from Asian low- or middle-income countries, with priority given to PhD students and early-career researchers.

Submission deadline: 1 September 2026 Submit proposals to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information, see the conference webpage.