Following a recap of issues discussed at the previous conference (the theory and concept of the state, identity politics), the core concern for this conference was introduced with a comparative review of patterns and developments in seven regions (Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Northeast and Southeast Asia, Post-Soviet Space, South Pacific, Europe/OECD, Middle East).

As in the reports from the previous conferences, the paper recaps important areas of growing convergence in the group that will be important points of reference for its further proceedings and for the final report.