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 - March 2025 |