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CESS Regional Conference 2026
(Re)thinking Central Eurasia: Spaces, Societies, and Power
June 16-19, 2026
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Welcome to CESS - 2026

We are delighted to invite you to the the Central Eurasian Studies Society Regional 2026 Conference — an in-person scholarly event bringing together researchers, academics, and students interested in the humanities and social sciences of Central Eurasia. This year’s conference encourages submissions exploring all dimensions of Central Eurasian studies, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and critical perspectives on societies, spaces, and power. Scholars from diverse fields and geographic regions are welcome to participate and contribute to meaningful academic exchange.

The conference program will feature research presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing a platform to share ideas, engage with new scholarship, and strengthen collaborative research initiatives. Participants will gain valuable insights and connect with experts dedicated to advancing understanding of Central Eurasia’s historical and contemporary dynamics.

Join us for this intellectually stimulating event as we explore new perspectives and scholarly contributions to the study of Central Eurasia.

Wi-Fi on campus
All campus reading rooms, dormitories, and classrooms have access to free Wi-Fi.
Network: NUGuest 
Password: No password required
About CESS
The mission of the Central Eurasian Studies Society is to: facilitate communication and interaction among scholars of the Central Eurasia region, and in doing so to promote high standards of scholarship and instruction about the Central Eurasia region; to promote cooperation among persons and organizations concerned with the scholarly study of Central Eurasia; and to promote general knowledge of and public interest in Central Eurasia.
Nazarbayev University
Established in 2010, Nazarbayev University (NU) stands as Kazakhstan’s flagship research-intensive university and a leading academic hub in Central Asia. Located in Astana, NU is rapidly advancing toward global recognition through its merit-based admissions and strong integration of teaching and research. NU is dedicated to equipping graduates with the skills they need to thrive in an era of globalization and technological advancement.
NU ranks in the top 23% worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, #1 in the Caucasus & Central Asia, and 150th in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025. It excels among young universities, placing among the top 106 globally.
Nazarbayev University (NU) is committed to expanding its impact and global reputation in Central Asia and beyond. The University develops strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, supporting academic exchange, joint research, and collaborative academic programs. As a co-founding member of the Asian Universities Alliance, NU contributes to addressing global and regional challenges in higher education, economic development, and scientific advancement.
Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a vibrant and forward-looking city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, serving as a growing hub for international dialogue, innovation, and higher education collaboration. Renowned for its striking modern architecture and ambitious urban vision, Astana reflects the country’s commitment to progress while remaining deeply connected to its rich cultural heritage. As a meeting point for diverse cultures, ideas, and partnerships, the city provides an inspiring and globally connected setting for CESS Conference 2026, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with one of Eurasia’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving academic and policy environments.
conference program
Anthropology & Archaeology
Business, Finance, and Management
Cultural Studies, Art History & Fine Art
Economics
Education
Gender Studies
Geography and Ecology
History
Language & Linguistics
Literature
Media Studies
Political Science, International Relations, and Law
Public Administration & Public Policy
Religion
Sociology & Social Issues
Urban Studies & Architecture
keynote speaker
Dr. Timur Dadabaev
Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, The University of World Economy and Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Director of the Special Program in Japanese and Eurasian Studies, Professor, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
Swedish Research Council Guest Professor, Lund University, Department of Sociology of Law

Talk Title : "Quiet Power: Strategic Silence, Decolonial Diplomacy, and Transformative Resilience in Central Asia"
Dr. Timur Dadabaev is a concurrently Professor of International Relations and the Director of the Special Program for Japanese and Eurasian Studies at the University of Tsukuba, Japan and Swedish Research Council Guest Professor at the Lund University. He is also Professor of International Relations and the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.
He published extensively with International Affairs, Communist and Post-Communist Studies, The Pacific Review, Europe Asia Studies, Nationalities Papers, Journal of Contemporary China, Asian Survey, Asia Europe Journal, International Journal of Asian Studies, Inner Asia, Central Asian Survey, Asian Affairs, Strategic Analysis, Journal of Eurasian Studies, Japanese Journal of Political Science, and others.
Conference key details
Dates
June 16-19, 2026
(in-person attendance)
Venue
Nazarbayev University,
Astana, Kazakhstan

Language
English
conference committee
  • Dina Sharipova
    Associate Professor of Public Policy and Vice Dean for Research, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
  • Artemy Kalinovsky
    Professor of Integrative Knowledge, Temple University, United States
  • Ketevan Gurchiani
    Professor of Anthropology, Ilia State University in Tbilisi, Georgia
  • Hélène Thibault
    Associate Professor of Political Science, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
  • Jeff Eden
    Associate Professor of History, Northwestern University, United States
  • Khasan Redjaboev
    Ph.D Candidate in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
  • Olga Khan
    Guest Research Associate, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Japan
  • Nicholas Seay 
    Ph.D Candidte in History, The Ohio State University, United States
INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
Please have a look at the following information before you arrive on campus
When you arrive
Campus Access
The Conference ensures access to campus for all registered participants. There are two main entrances to the university: Turan Avenue entrance and Kabanbay batyr Avenue entrance. Please refer to the campus map.

Taxi Information
Official taxis can access campus via Turan Avenue entrance.

Internet Access
The public Wi-Fi "NU Guest" network is open and free to use.

Dining Options
Below is a list of on-campus dining facilities:
  • Tamyr - located in block C3, 1st floor
  • Kunde - located in block C2, Mezzanine floor
  • Green food - located in block 4, 2nd floor
  • Health Project - upper atrium between blocks C2 and C4
  • Espresso day - upper atrium between blocks C2 and C3
  • Daily cup - lower atrium between blocks C2 and C3
  • Pablo - lower atrium between blocks C3 and C4
Sponsors and CESS Institutional Members
CONTACTS
General inquiries
Email: info@centraleurasia.org
website: https://centraleurasia.org

Media inquiries
media@centraleurasia.org

Graduate School of Public Policy, Nazarbayev University
website: https://gspp.nu.edu.kz
Address: 53, Kabanbay batyr Ave., Astana, 010000,
Republic of Kazakhstan