In a world delineated by complex, overlapping, multi-faceted crises — what does it mean to be a realist? What does it mean to be a critical realist? What is the difference between the two?

Can we say that there are varieties of realist and critical realist approaches that deal with these issues? Are they united in their philosophy but different in their concepts and methods? Or is the spectrum even more heterogeneous?

The major theme of IACR 2026 in The Hague will focus on these questions.

As per IACR tradition, we also welcome papers that do not fall under this theme