Welcome to the World International Studies Committee.

WISC was set up as a network of networks, a place where national and regional associations of international studies could come together to promote understanding and share knowledge and expertise. From the start, the emphasis has been on inclusivity and diversity, with participation and perspectives from the so-called "Global South" encouraged and embraced alongside those of other regions from beyond the traditional Western European and North American centers. The Global Conferences have been central to this mission, with the First Global International Studies Conference taking place in Istanbul, one of the greatest intersections of humanity, in 2005. Since then, conferences have been held approximately every three years, in Europe, Asia, and South America. We are constantly looking to expand the inclusiveness of WISC activities and interactions. To this end, numerous regional workshops have been hosted in collaboration with local partners in Africa and North America, as well as the three continents which have so far hosted conferences. Furthermore, WISC itself has evolved into a fully-fledged international association. Going forward, we are looking to increase the frequency of the Global Conferences, to continue to expand the outreach of the regional workshops, and to broaden the inclusivity and understanding of international studies through engagement with associations of related disciplines. It is as important to overcome knowledge and disciplinary hegemony as it is to counter geographic and cultural hegemony. International studies are inherently interdisciplinary, with valuable contributions and insights from the disciplines of international relations, political science, area studies, development cooperation, international law, history, economics, sociology, international business, international trade, and cross-cultural studies among others. WISC welcomes all who have an interest in or concern about international studies broadly defined.

Brendan M. Howe
President
World International Studies Committee