Hedley Bull

About the Author

Hedley Bull (1932-1985) was a pioneering Australian international relations scholar whose work profoundly shaped the field of global politics. Educated at the University of Sydney and the London School of Economics, he held influential positions at the Australian National University and Oxford University, where he served as Montague Burton Professor of International Relations. Bull's scholarship emphasized the concept of an 'anarchical society' in international affairs, arguing that despite the absence of a central authority, states maintain order through shared norms, institutions, and diplomacy. His seminal contributions continue to influence debates on sovereignty, international law, and global governance, offering timeless insights into the complexities of world order.