Founded in 2004, Central Belt International Relations (CBIR) is a network through which scholars at universities in Scotland’s central belt region meet, discuss and coordinate research and teaching in the field of International Relations (IR), broadly conceived. CBIR strives to increase IR scholarship in Scotland and public awareness of international issues in Scotland and the broader British, European and international neighbourhoods.

While individual members of the network remain in close contact throughout the calendar year, CBIR meets as a collective 2-3 times during the academic year for an official event, usually consisting of a paper presentation by one of the members and a convivial supper. These events are organised by network members at one of the participating universities.

Membership in CBIR is open to interested individuals, but, in general, the network targets and is limited to lecturers and senior lecturers at participating Scottish universities: currently Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sterling and Strathclyde.

CBIR’s activities are typically organised and financed by its individual members on a voluntary basis.

All CBIR decision-making is consensual.

As a network of equals, CBIR’s agenda is decided by its members and implemented by the members responsible for the network’s next official event.

CBIR’s website is maintained by Dr. Kurt Mills, University of Glasgow. The website provides a public and sustained persona for CBIR. The website presents the network’s ‘Mission Statement’, membership, working papers and contact details for interested parties. All members are encouraged to supply Dr. Mills with any necessary and useful information that may contribute to furthering CBIR’s mission.