It is a domain where pressures from the environment play a role much different from the one one finds in domestic policymaking since only some stakeholders can efficiently mobilise their resources to compel governments. It is also a field where action networks are complex. In fact, in our globalizing world, questions once restricted to foreign affairs per se are penetrating many more departments, which leads to an interesting co-ordination problem. Finally, foreign affairs departments are organisations where hierarchical rules are more flexible due to the dual system of postings abroad and service at home. However, despite these undeniable characteristics, the administration of foreign affairs has not generated much research.

Indeed, the administration of foreign affairs too often comes behind question related to international relations per se, foreign policy analysis, strategic and security studies, or diplomatic history. Allison offered an approach that very few scholars have used in the Canadian context. There is an interesting study about ambassadors' work, but it is a much welcome first step that needs to be enriched by other research in foreign policy administration. As a result of these too few contributions, our knowledge of the topic is partial, if not truncated. There is no doubt important gaps need to be filled.

To reach this goal, we propose to look into the question from different angles and regroup our findings in a reference book on the administration of foreign affairs. Among the dimensions we wish to study are the operational parameters, the "mechanical" aspects, the differences brought by the field of application, the federal nature of the state, and the effect of globalisation on the administration of foreign affairs seen from a comparative point of view. More importantly, the common question to which we will provide an answer is: what does characterize Canada's administration of its foreign affairs ?

A special invitation is made to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

The deadline to submit your proposal is June 15. Please, send us a 150 word abstract and a brief biographical note that states your affiliation, your rank, your diplomas (field of expertise and university) as well as a short list of recent relevant publications. This information should be addressed to either nelson_michaud@enap.uquebec.ca or luc_bernier@enap.uquebec.ca.