Call for Papers

Pursuant to its mandate to facilitate research on irregular warfare (IW) and strategic competition, and engage with U.S. and international universities, the Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) is pleased to invite proposals for the third annual Irregular Warfare Colloquium, to be held in the Washington, D.C. area on September 24-25, 2025.

The IWC operates to transform the global, strategic mindset by coupling conventional combat power with robust IW methodologies to provide options in support of the nation’s warfighters, protecting the homeland, and deterring China. The IWC serves as the central mechanism for developing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) IW knowledge and advancing the department’s understanding of IW concepts and doctrine in collaboration with key allies and partners.

The Center has developed this selective colloquium aimed at building a strong cohort of 12-14 junior scholars working on IW-related projects and connecting them with senior scholars and practitioners in the field.

Presenters selected for participation in the colloquium will be placed in small groups with presenters from other academic institutions who share similar research interests and complementary capabilities. Attendees will be expected to give a brief presentation of their research—whether completed or in-progress—to serve as the basis for peer discussions and planning for further research.

This colloquium will focus on Defending the Homeland and Deterring China in the Indo Pacific. Themes of particular interest to the Center for this colloquium include deterrence; hybrid threats to the homeland; cyber operations; information and influence operations; proxy warfare; and sustainment in a contested environment as they relate to INDOPACOM and Homeland Defense. Nominees should propose topics that explore one or more of these themes and explain how their research may enhance the ability of the United States, its allies, and its partners, to address the challenges posed by irregular warfare.

Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty are invited to submit proposals. Participation is open to students and faculty from both U.S. and international colleges and universities.

Proposals should include a CV and a 200-word maximum abstract outlining the project and its contributions to the study of IW. Proposals received by May 22, 2025, will receive full consideration, with decisions to be announced in June.

Please email proposals for consideration to the below email address: publication@irregularwarfarecenter.org

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