History & Objectives

The Institute of International Relations and Area Studies was founded in 1989 for the purpose of promoting interdisciplinary academic programs. Research projects in the IIRAS cover wide range of topics such as human security, conflicts and violence, democracy, economic development, and socio-cultural change, with different area/country focuses. Seminars, workshops and conferences are frequently held in collaboration with overseas research institutes. The IIRAS provides an important forum for visiting academics and professors as well as for the college members and students of Ritsumeikan University.

Past Directors

Naoshi SANADA College of Social Sciences April. 1988- March. 1989
Takaharu SEKI College of International Relations April 1989 - March 1997
Kei KARASAWA College of International Relations April 1997 - March 2000
Shiro OKUBO College of Law April 2000 - March 2002
Masayoshi TAKAHASHI College of International Relations April 2002 - March 2006
Shiro OKUBO College of Law April 2006 - March 2009
Shuji MATSUNO College of Economics April 2009 - March 2011
Nobuaki TAKAHASHI College of International Relations April 2011 - March 2015
Jun HONNA College of International Relations April 2015 - March 2019
Kenki ADACHI College of International Relations April 2019 -