Call for Papers

The abstract submission deadline has been extended to February 15.

Hosted by the world-class American University in Bulgaria, and its Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) and The Filitsa Sofianou-Mullen Writing Center, the Global Communication Association (GCA) invites you to submit your abstracts and panel proposals for the 18th annual convention to be held in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.

The 2026 conference, “Global Communication Futures: Navigating Technology, Peace, and Resilience in a Connected World,” invites proposals that critically examine how evolving technologies and media systems are reshaping global communication. As artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and transnational networks transform interaction and knowledge exchange, participants are encouraged to explore issues of equity, access, and representation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges of technologically mediated communication.

The Global Communication Association (GCA) invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit original research papers, panel proposals, and case studies for presentation at the upcoming conference. We welcome contributions that explore critical, innovative, and interdisciplinary perspectives on global communication, democracy, technology, culture, and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

In addition, participants will also have included access to the European Writing Centers Association (EWCA) Conference which coincides with the GCA Conference.

We particularly encourage papers that address the following conference tracks and themes:

Track 1: Media, Democracy, and the Crisis of Public Discourse

• Political communication and democratic regression
• Populism, nationalism, and media narratives
• Platform power, disinformation, and election integrity
• Surveillance, censorship, and freedom of expression
• Hate speech, extremism, and online radicalization
• The erosion and rebuilding of trust in journalism
• Futures of media industries and alternative media economies
• Public interest media and new funding models
• Transparency, accountability, and media regulation
• The future of public broadcasting and independent media

Track 2: Advances in Computer Science and Information Systems for Global Communication and Resilience

• Artificial intelligence tools & applications in media
• Algorithmic governance, transparency, and bias
• Platformization and post-social media dynamics
• AI-Driven decision support systems for peacebuilding and conflict resolution
• Ethical AI frameworks for global media and information systems
• Big data analytics for crisis prediction and humanitarian response
• Machine learning models for disinformation and fake news detection
• Data science approaches to social media influence
• Predictive analytics for global sustainability and SDGs monitoring
• Automation, digital labor, and the gig economy in media
• Generative AI and deep fakes
• Surveillance, capitalism, and privacy
• Virtual/augmented reality and immersive communication

Track 3: Communication in Crisis: Climate, Conflict, and Humanitarian Challenges

• Media representations of climate change and sustainability
• Migration, forced displacement, and refugee narratives
• Media and war: from terror to peacebuilding
• Crisis communication during pandemics and disasters
• Human rights, dignity, and advocacy in times of conflict
• Communication and resilience in fragile democracies

Track 4: Media, Culture, and Identities

• Intercultural communication in an age of migration and polarization
• Alternative and indigenous media practices
• Media worlds of trauma, memory, and resistance
• Popular culture, fandom, and participatory cultures
• Media archaeology and revisiting the past

ABSTRACT AND PAPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Abstracts: A 400-word abstract of the paper or panel proposal must be submitted.
• Format: Please submit two separate attachments in Word format:
  1. Abstract (with title, keywords, and references if applicable).
  2. Author information (name, institutional affiliation, email, and short bio).
• Submission: Abstracts should be submitted electronically via the following link: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=gcaewca2026
• Full Paper Requirements
  1. Full papers should not exceed 6,000–8,000 words including references.
  2. All submissions must follow APA 7th edition (or other specified) citation and formatting guidelines.
  3. Use Times New Roman, 12 pt., double-spaced text, with standard margins.
  4. Figures and tables must be numbered, captioned, and referenced in the text.
  5. File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) only.

The full paper submission link will be sent by email to authors after their abstracts are accepted.

• A 400-word abstract of the paper or panel proposal should be submitted to Mr. Steven London FRSA [email protected] by February 15, 2025.
• The abstract should include the author(s)’ name, affiliation, areas of research, methodology and significance, followed by keywords.
• Poster presentations on topics related to the conference theme are also encouraged.
• Abstracts will be peer-reviewed by two or more reviewers. The authors of the abstracts will be notified of the acceptance of their abstracts by February 15, 2026.
• If accepted, the authors who wish to publish their paper in the conference proceedings, the full-length paper (not to exceed 25 pages excluding references and tables) must be submitted by April 01, 2026. All papers should adhere to The American Psychological Association (APA) style manual.

Note: Payment for Conference Fees Can Be Made Here: [Link]

Payment options will be available after acceptance of abstract.

PUBLICATION:

Selected papers will be considered for publication in affiliated academic outlets. Authors of high-quality submissions may also be invited to contribute to edited volumes or special issues aligned with the conference theme.

Note: Payment for Conference Fees Can Be Made here.
Payment options will be available after acceptance of abstract.

Fees