High-Level Leader Visits: A Promising Area of Study in IR

Abstract

Once deemed a “nearly impossible” area of study, high-level leader visits—one of the most visible and consequential practices in global politics—have recently attracted renewed scholarly attention. This resurgence stems from the growing recognition of leader visits as a valuable lens for addressing foundational questions in international relations, including why states act as they do, the consequences of their actions, and how their behavior shapes their global standing. By mapping the current research landscape on leader visits, we highlight its potential for advancing theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. To further develop this field, we advocate for innovative research methodologies, new avenues of inquiry, and enhanced data collection efforts, paving the way for deeper and more systematic analyses of leader visits in global politics.