The K.P.S. Menon Chair for Diplomatic Studies, instituted under the School of International Relations and Politics (SIRP) in 2009, represents a significant milestone in promoting specialised education and research in diplomacy. It serves as a distinguished tribute to the memory of K.P.S. Menon, an esteemed and extraordinary diplomat whose enduring contributions played a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy.
The establishment of the Chair was guided by a set of objectives and a range of programmes designed to honour K.P.S. Menon’s contributions appropriately. The intent was to invite an individual of high eminence to occupy the Chair, with a preference for a senior scholar or diplomat whose expertise spans diplomacy, foreign policy, and international relations.
The Chair aims to catalyse studies and research projects related to various facets of India’s foreign policy and relations. This includes exploring the role of civil society in foreign policy formulation, cross-national communication and conflict resolution in South Asia, Overseas Indian diplomacy, challenges faced by Indian expatriates, international migration, regional economic integration, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, comprehensive security, and issues related to India’s maritime policy. These initiatives may be pursued independently or in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental agencies.
The responsibilities of the visiting professor holding the Chair encompass delivering special lectures on diplomacy and other themes in International Relations (IR), organising an annual seminar, workshop, or colloquium on a topic relevant to IR, diplomatic studies, or foreign policy, conducting the K.P.S. Menon Memorial Annual Lecture each year on a subject pertinent to contemporary India and its external policy, publishing a comprehensive volume in memory of the late K.P.S. Menon focusing on a specific theme of Indian foreign policy, instituting K.P.S. Menon Fellowships and endowments, and providing a platform for open debates between academics and policy-makers.
Dr. K R Singh was appointed as the first visiting Professor in the KPS Menon Chair in 2009. Dr. Singh delivered a series of special lectures on West Asia, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Radical Islam, energy security, Palestine question etc from 10 November 2009 onwards.
Prof. Tim Nimblock nominated to KPS Menon Chair, November 2010 Activities:
Lecture On “The Political Economy Of Saudi Arabia”
Colloquium On “Engaging Beyond Borders: China And India In The Asian Regions”
National Workshop On ” Coastal Security: Needed A New Look”
South Asian Journal Of Diplomacy
South Asian Journal of Diplomacy (SAJD) is a refereed Annual journal published by the K.P.S.Menon Chair for Diplomatic Studies, School of International Relations and Politics (SIRP). SAJD is committed to publishing the best of studies in Diplomacy, Foreign Policy and International Relations (IR). It seeks to bring out topical, scholarly work on significant debates in Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Politics and IR and on all major issues affecting South Asia and other countries. Board of International Editorial Advisors include Prof. James Petras, Bartle Professor Emeritus, Binghamton University, USA, Prof. Mark Phythian, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Leicester, UK, Prof. Kanti Bajpai, Contemporary South Asian Studies, Oxford University, UK, Prof. Itty Abraham, South Asia Institute, Marlene and Morton Meyerson Centennial Chair Fellow, University of Texas, USA, Prof. Delwar Hossain, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Prof. Moonis Ahmar, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan, Prof. Achin Vanaik, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India, Prof. Zheng Yongnian, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, and Mrs. Geetha de Silva, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS), Colombo, Sri Lanka