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Political scientist Chhibber named to head IIS

The Institute of International Studies' new director aims to raise its profile as a nexus for discussion and research

By Carol Ness, Public Affairs | 11 June 2009

BERKELEY — Pradeep Chhibber, professor of political science and an expert on India's complicated party systems, will take over as director of Berkeley's Institute of International Studies on July 1.

In addition to his teaching talents and scholarship in comparative politics, Chhibber "possesses the personality traits required to play a catalytic role in international studies on campus," said George Breslauer, executive vice chancellor and provost, announcing the appointment on behalf of Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, Vice Chancellor for Research Graham Fleming, and himself.

Among those traits are "sincerity, integrity, thoughtfulness, and an ecumenical approach to drawing faculty, staff, and students into the activities of the institute," Breslauer said.

Chhibber's appointment to a five-year term as IIS director, replacing political-science professor Steven Weber, whose term expires June 30, won the unanimous recommendation of a 12-member search committee, according to Breslauer.

The newly reorganized IIS, an organized research unit based in Moses Hall, serves as a campuswide nexus for interdisciplinary research in international, comparative, and policy studies.