Special Issue: Portugal, China, and International Relations
Edited by Kaian Lam, Francisco Leandro, Yichao Li Portugal’s population is approximately 10.2 million. The nation possesses a vast territorial sea area and oversees one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in Europe. The historical connections between Portugal and Asia, particularly China, are significant, with Macau, now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, being a notable example. Portugal’s accession to the European Union has bolstered its status as a dependable regional and international trading partner. The country has successfully attracted Chinese investments in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and finance. More importantly, China views Portugal as a crucial gateway for enhanced cooperation with the European Union. Diplomatically, both nations have maintained a stable relationship, marked by frequent high-level exchanges, with a mutual commitment to deepening collaboration and strengthening bilateral ties.
In this context, JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations, will publish a special issue in January 2026 that explores Portugal-China relations within a broader framework. This peer-reviewed publication, indexed in Scopus, is the result of institutional academic cooperation between the University of Macau (China) and the Autónoma University of Lisbon (UAL). The initiative aims to convene experts and emerging scholars with an interest in the Portuguese Republic and its international endeavors, examining the future prospects of Portugal’s renewed engagement with Asia, particularly the People’s Republic of China.
We call for:
– Novel epistemologies and conceptualizations that advance knowledge of Portugal and its foreign affairs priorities
– Studies of Portugal that address “the modern international” using innovative and unconventional IR methods
– Works by “Macau Studies” scholars that demonstrate important local contributions to bilateral relations
– Up-to-date studies of Portugal by humanistic social sciences scholars that also pertain to “the modern international”
– Studies that highlight the knowledge produced in Portugal / Mediterranean Europe that is also applicable to our understanding of Chinese action in the world
– Studies that put Asian Studies, European Studies, Lusophone Studies and other area studies in conversation
– Historicized transcontinental studies of agency and identity that promote greater awareness of world connectivity and interdependence
– Studies that advance our understanding of Global China and its global engagement
Scholars may use qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches. They may be interested in different subjects and based in different parts of the world. While we may expect greater interest from International Relations scholars, we are open also to submissions from other members of the learned community. They are expected to place Portugal and China at the center of their analysis. They are also strongly encouraged to include Macau in their discussion.
Interested authors are welcome to discuss their ideas with the editors before they prepare their first draft. Contacts:
• Francisco Leandro: fleandro@um.edu.mo (University of Macau)
• Kaian lam: kaianlam@um.edu.mo (University of Macau)
• Yichao Li: a18092105144@cityu.mo (Zhejiang Normal University)
Interested authors should follow the house style of JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations (https://janusonline.autonoma.pt/en/).
They should aim to write 6,000 to 9,000 words in good academic English. International co-authorship is encouraged. Pairing between senior and junior scholars is welcome.
The guest editors may turn down poor-quality proposals at any stage of the submission process.
Dates (TBC):
Submission of first draft: 31 May 2025
Submission of revised draft after peer review: 30 September 2025
Expected publication: 31 January 2026.
