New Delhi: In a move to further solidify its position as a global hub for the study of international relations and foreign policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced the appointment of Professor Amitabh Mattoo as the new Dean of its prestigious School of International Studies (SIS). Professor Mattoo, one of India’s most distinguished scholars in International Relations & Foreign Policy, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to lead India’s premier institution into its next phase of academic excellence.
The School of International Studies, established in 1955 and integrated into JNU in 1969, stands as one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to the study of foreign policy, diplomacy, security, and international relations. Often likened to the Kennedy School of Harvard University, SIS has earned a stellar reputation for its contributions to the field. With the appointment of Professor Mattoo, who previously served as Professor and Chair of the Centre for International Politics, Organization, and Disarmament at SIS, the university aims to further enhance its global standing.
The Vice-Chancellor of JNU, Prof Shantishree D Pandit, herself a renowned scholar of International Relations, expressed her confidence in Professor Mattoo’s ability to lead SIS as it embarks on the celebrations of its 70th year. Notable alumni of the School include External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, underscoring the institution’s influence on Indian policymaking.
Professor Mattoo’s illustrious career spans academia, public service, and international collaborations. A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu, cabinet-ranked Advisor to Jammu & Kashmir, and member of the National Security Council’s Advisory Board, his contributions to academia and policymaking have been widely acclaimed. As the President of the Indian Association of International Studies and the only Padma Shri awardee currently at JNU, Professor Mattoo’s leadership is expected to further elevate SIS’s reputation as Asia’s premier center for knowledge production and transfer in International Relations. NewsMobile is also privileged to have Professor Mattoo on its advisory board.
With a PhD from the University of Oxford and a diverse portfolio of scholarly publications, including the recently co-authored and critically acclaimed book “Strategic Choices & Ethical Dilemmas: Stories from the Mahabharat,” Professor Mattoo’s appointment signifies a new chapter in SIS’s pursuit of academic excellence and global impact.