This broad intellectual project involves various sub-projects with different funders and various collaborators. It focuses on theorising international relations based on a relational ontology. This involves examining varius types of relations and ways of thinking about relations in world politics. Special attention is given to geographic and historical variation, with a comparative element contrasting traditional and modern Chinese and European approaches to relationality. The project involves historical and conceptual analysis of relational terms/practices such as 'harmony' or 'friendship' in both theory, policy making and civil society contexts.