Bull, Hedley (1932-1985)

Abstract

Despite his relatively short life (1932–85), Hedley Bull's contribution to studies of world order and the role of diplomacy continues to inspire scholars. His work is acknowledged internationally and published in many languages. This entry argues that Bull's treatment of diplomacy is best understood as a social practice. It is one of the institutions that Bull proposes maintain an international society of states that provides a basis for international order. It also argues that, although Bull did not theorize diplomacy in terms of a social practice, nonetheless his focus on the empirical practices of diplomacy and diplomats informs current scholarship on social practice theory.