This paper, based on the analysis of articles published in the scientific journal Politicka misao between 1964 and 1987, aims to offer a detailed understanding of the history of IR discipline by combining the conceptual and contextual approach, positioning articles within three major theoretical debates, categorizing them thematically and then placing them within an academic environment. Analyzed articles represent the foundation of the IR discipline, hence its history portrays the way in which, in SFRY in general, and in Croatia in particular, it attempted to create its own identity. Finally, this analysis provides key insights related to the context, theoretical framework, discourse and concept development of IR in Croatia. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT