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The most compelling argument for including international relations within political science is that its focus and core principles are found in the dominant concerns of political science.Until the late 1930's, approaches to the study of international relations were those of diplomatic history, international law or current events. History for a time had a monopoly on the study of international relations and the classic works of Harold Nicolson, Webster, Mowat and Butterfield were the centerpieces of the subject. Diplomatic history was a branch of historical studies and its rigor and systematic approach earned the admiration of university leaders.International law completed with diplomatic history and added a new dimension of hope for change and reform.

This article was written by Roderick Ogley shortly after the appearance of Hedley Bull's seminal article in World Politics but had remained unpublished by the author up until now. To some it may seem unnecessary and wearisome to return to the material and content of the "Great Debate". Yet, the publication of the article (in a slightly revised form) in this Special Issue is timely and of value as it does touch upon a number of important points concerning approaches to the study of international relations. Indeed, the most interesting and remarkable aspect of the essay is that, though written somefourteen years ago, it still seems fresh and applicable to the study of international relations - which may be its strongest comment on the state of the discipline.