The University welcomes the first of its 2017/18 intake of Global Chairs, Professor Chung-In Moon, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Yonsei University, South Korea.

Professor Moon was nominated as a Global Chair by Professor Timo Kivimaki and will work closely with Professor Kivimaki and colleagues from the Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies during his time at Bath. Professor Moon and his wife, Professor Jai-ok Kim were formally welcomed by colleagues from across the University at a Reception earlier this week.

Professor Moon is Special Adviser to the President of South Korea, and formerly Ambassador for International Security Affairs of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Northeast Asian Cooperation Initiative, a cabinet-level post. Professor Moon is a key member of a University of Bath research project on Cosmopolitan Protection. Together with Edward Azar he is the creator of the post-colonialist theory of security, which is the guiding theoretical paradigm of the project that engages four colleagues and six students from the Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies.

Professor Moon’s visit has been funded by the International Relations Office Global Chair funding scheme. The Global Chairs scheme is designed to attract distinguished, globally renowned scholars to engage in a programme of high-profile research activity at the University of Bath for a fixed period of time.

In addition to research discussions and meetings with policy makers, Professor Moon will be speaking at two public events at the Claverton Down campus and at the University of Bath in London during his visit.

Professor Kivimaki commented “Professor Moon is not only a distinguished Professor of International Security, but he is also a distinguished diplomat. The experience and insights that Professor Moon will bring to the University of Bath will be invaluable”.

Speaking at the Welcome Reception, Professor Moon said “I am delighted to be visiting the University of Bath and its Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, where I am particularly looking forward to working with staff and supporting graduate and undergraduate students”.