PLUS Forum is a globally oriented academic and policy platform dedicated to critical dialogue on pressing international challenges. Conceived as a dynamic space for interdisciplinary exchange, the forum brings together scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world to explore the shifting foundations of global politics, security, and diplomacy.
Each year, PLUS Forum focuses on a major theme that reflects emerging global trends. The 2025 edition is held under the title “Great Power Competition and the Middle East” and takes place on 16–17 June 2025 at Boğaziçi University, Istanbul.
This year’s programme addresses the strategic rivalries between the world’s major powers and the pivotal role of the Middle East within this evolving geopolitical landscape. From contested trade routes and strategic realignments to the legacy of imperial interventions and shifting global norms, the forum offers a multifaceted exploration of the forces reshaping the region and the world.
Featuring keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions, and a dedicated roundtable for emerging scholars, the 2025 PLUS Forum includes participants from leading institutions such as Boğaziçi University, Shanghai University and Al jazeera Centre for Studies, and policy think tanks across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The forum is hosted in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Boğaziçi University, a key partner in advancing academic exchange and global cooperation.
As a growing international brand, PLUS Forum is committed to producing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and connecting diverse perspectives on the future of global governance. The 2025 edition reaffirms this commitment at a time of increasing global uncertainty and transformation.