International Relations Theory

Abstract

Since the 1960s the discipline of International Relations (IR) has grown increasingly exercised by its origins and development. This self-reflection has become an important aspect of the discipline and its self-image. In developing this self-image the discipline itself has become an important object of inquiry in IR. A number of articles and book chapters have been published on the historiography of the discipline and on the shifting contours of the discipline as it passed through different phases or debates (Bull 1972b, 33). In their different ways these reflections are attempts to capture the discipline’s shape and to define its proper focus. Such reflections are never simply innocent exercises in reminiscing; they are political attempts to legitimise certain approaches, whether they are dominant or marginalised.

We wish to thank the participants in the April 2008 workshop on the Australian Study of Politics held at the ANU, especially Rod Rhodes and MichaelWesley for their constructive comments. We also thank James Cotton for his comments on an early draft.