Roundtable: The Limits of Bridge-Building

Abstract

This roundtable develops arguments presented at the 2008 International Studies Association (ISA) annual convention. The theme of the convention was `Bridging Multiple Divides' and its aim to enhance dialogue among the diverse research communities within international studies. The aim of the `Limits of Bridge-Building' panel at ISA, and the present roundtable, has been to probe the challenges presented by bridge-building and specifically the possible limitations or dangers that might inhere within attempts to build bridges in International Relations. The roundtable then is aimed at problematising the concept of bridge-building and sounding a hesitant note that takes seriously not only the possibilities but also the limitations and, indeed, possible dangers of `bridge-building'.