Diplomatic Investigations

A reissue of a classic, Diplomatic Investigations compiles key essays that shaped International Relations, ensuring its insights remain accessible for future scholars.

This reissue of Diplomatic Investigations revitalizes a seminal work in International Relations, originally published over fifty years ago. Edited by renowned scholars Herbert Butterfield and Martin Wight, the book compiles twelve influential papers presented at the early meetings of the British Committee on the Theory of International Politics. These essays, including Wight's critical inquiries into the absence of an international theory and Hedley Bull's explorations of societal structures within IR, laid the groundwork for future discussions in the field.

The essays in Diplomatic Investigations cover a broad spectrum of topics, such as the balance of power and the Grotian conception of international society. Each contribution has significantly shaped the English school of International Relations while also impacting various other theoretical frameworks. The enduring relevance of these discussions highlights the book's iconic status within the discipline.

After its initial print run ended, Diplomatic Investigations became a coveted title among scholars and students alike, often found only in the second-hand market. This new edition, featuring a fresh introduction by Ian Hall and Tim Dunne, ensures that the insights of this classic work remain accessible to contemporary audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of International Relations for new generations of thinkers.