Roundtable: The Limits of Bridge-Building

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'.