International Relations

The Montague Burton Chair of International Relations was founded in 1948.

Foundation

The Chair was endowed by Sir Montague Maurice Burton (1885-1952), founder of the Burton chain of clothes shops. The holder was 'bound to teach and instruct students in the principles of International Relations, particularly in connection with modern history and Public International Law'. The purpose underlying the endowment was to 'foster the study of International Relations and thus further the attainment of universal peace and the brotherhood of man based on the ideals of the United Nations Organisation'.

The holder of the Chair was to teach in the Spring term only, during which he or she was obliged to reside in Edinburgh. The appointment was for a fixed period of three years, at the end of which the holder could apply for re-election. The holder was a member of both the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Arts.

Elizabeth Wiskemann

The third appointee, Elizabeth Wiskemann (1899-1971) was the first woman to hold a chair at Edinburgh University. She was appointed in 1958 on the recommendation of William Norton Medlicott (1900-1987), Professor of International History at the London School of Economics. She was well-known as a writer on the modern politics of Germany, Italy, and Czechoslovakia, though her teaching in the chair increasingly focused on developments in post-colonial Africa. Besides giving well-attended lectures, Wiskemann did much to enhance the profile of her post by inviting national and international experts to lead discuss groups on issues of the day. Due to medical problems caused by deteriorating eyesight, Elizabeth Wiskemann did not apply for re-election in 1961.

Evolution of the Chair

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the University Court found the Chair of International Relations difficult to fill. The requirement that the holder reside in Edinburgh during the Spring Term proved financially challenging for many potential candidates. The lectures delivered by the Montague Burton Professor formed part of no degree course, and prior to Wiskemann's tenure, had attracted few students. At the end of the tenure of Lord Ritchie-Calder, the post was converted into a visiting professorship.

Professors

• 1948-1951: James Leslie Brierly (1881–1955)
• 1951-1957: Carlile Aylmer Macartney (1895–1978)
• 1958-1961: Elizabeth Wiskemann (1899-1971)
• 1961-1967: Peter Ritchie Calder, Baron Ritchie-Calder of Balmashanner (1906-1982)

Sources

• Edinburgh University Calendar
• University of Edinburgh Journal