University’s tribute to terrorism expert

A celebration of the life of leading St Andrews terrorism expert Professor Paul Wilkinson will take place today (Thursday 16 February 2012) in St Andrews. 

A world authority in International Relations and a pioneer of the study of terrorism and political violence, Professor Wilkinson passed away on the 11 August 2011 at the age of 74.

Professor Wilkinson came to the University in 1989 to take up the first chair in International Relations. In 1990, he was made the first Head of the new Department of International Relations and in 1994 he co-founded the University’s Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV).

Professor Wilkinson was a popular teacher and mentor, and was highly instrumental in the development of the CSTPV, which has since become one of the most respected and well known academic centres in its field.

Professor Wilkinson was the sole author of fifteen books on the subject of terrorism, and though he retired from his position as Chairman of the Advisory Board for CSTPV in August 2007, he remained indefatigable, regularly speaking to the media and policy makers, organising and attending conferences, engaging with CSTPV, as well as continuing to teach and write.

Throughout his career, Professor Wilkinson was a strong opponent of terrorism of all kinds. In his publications and contributions to the media he consistently argued that the democratic response to both domestic and international terrorism should always be guided by the Rule of Law.

He publicly opposed attempts to increase the period permitted to detain terrorism suspects without trial in the UK and condemned the Guantanamo project and other measures by the administration of President George W Bush which departed from basic Rule of Law Principles.

In 2009, Professor Wilkinson was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours list in recognition of distinguished public service.

The Memorial Service for Professor Emeritus Paul Wilkinson will take place at St Salvator’s Chapel at 4.30-5.30pm today.  The service will be followed by a reception in the University’s Lower College Hall.

ENDS

Note to Picture Editors

Images of Professor Wilkinson are available from the Press Office – contacts below.

Issued by the Press Office

Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Communications Manager on 01334 467227, email [email protected]

Ref: Paul Wilkinson 16/2/12

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