In Memory of Robert Jervis. Robert Jervis (April 30, 1940 – December 9, 2021) was the Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Affairs at Columbia University, known for his groundbreaking work on perception and misperception in international politics. His contributions to the field continue to shape our understanding of how leaders' beliefs and biases influence global relations.
International relations scholar Robert Jervis '62 died December 9, 2021. “He was a husband, father, and grandfather extraordinaire, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship that has had a profound impact on the study of international politics.
Late last Friday, news trickled out across academic networks that Robert Jervis, the Adlai E. Stevenson professor and professor of international politics at Columbia University, had passed away. His absence leaves a void in the field, as his insights into the role of perception and misperception in shaping international dynamics are irreplaceable.
Leaders Eat Last. In his work with organizations around the world, Simon Sinek noticed that some teams trust each other so deeply that they would literally "eat last" to ensure their colleagues were taken care of. This concept of selfless leadership can also be applied to the realm of international politics, where leaders' perceptions of one another can shape complex diplomatic interactions.
If Donald Trump's presidency taught anything to scholars of international relations, it is that the psychology of leaders matters a great deal. Trump's unpredictability and brash demeanor often led to misperceptions and misunderstandings, highlighting the importance of studying how individual beliefs can impact global decision-making.
Robert Jervis was my professor, adviser, and mentor for 36 years. More significantly, over time, he became a close and valued friend. His guidance and wisdom on the nuances of perception in international politics have been invaluable, shaping my own research and understanding of global dynamics.
The underlying beliefs that people in the United States and China hold toward each other in the security realm are likely to influence, and sometimes distort, their perceptions of each other's intentions. These misperceptions can lead to tensions and conflicts that could have been avoided with a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives.
States compete and contend for many reasons, and sometimes those reasons are abundantly clear to the protagonists. But in other cases, misperceptions of intentions and capabilities can escalate tensions and lead to miscalculations. Studying the psychology of leaders is crucial in unpacking these dynamics and promoting more effective diplomatic relations.
Robert Jervis is a professor of international politics at Columbia University. He studies the intersection of psychology and international affairs, with a focus on how individual perceptions shape global decision-making processes. His work has shed light on the complexities of international relations and the role of leaders in shaping the course of global events.
