Jean Laponce

Jean Laponce (1925-2016) was a pioneering political scientist at the University of British Columbia (UBC), serving as a Full-Time faculty member since 1956. He directed UBC’s Political Science Honours Program from the 1960s until his retirement in 1991. His academic contributions spanned linguistic politics, comparative politics, and international relations. He held prestigious roles, including President of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and membership in the Royal Society of Canada.

Education:

• Paris Lycée Carnot – Baccalauréat (1943)
• Institut d’Études Politiques, Paris – Diploma (1947)
• University of California, Los Angeles – Ph.D. (1955)
• University of British Columbia – LLD honoris causa (2003)

Research: Laponce specialized in linguistic politics, sovereignty referendums, and ethnic relations. His seminal works include Langue et territoire (1990) and Loi de Babel et autres régularités du rapport entre langue et politique (2006). His research explored language policy, minority rights, and the intersection of language and political power.

Awards:

• Barry Guggenheim Fellowship (1985–97)
• UBC Killam Research Prize (1988)
• IPSA Karl Deutsch Distinction (2001)

Service & Leadership: Laponce served on executive councils of the Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA), IPSA, and the Royal Society of Canada. He co-edited the International Political Science Review (1985–2003) and directed the Institute of Interethnic Relations at the University of Ottawa (1993–2001). His legacy includes fostering international dialogue and mentoring generations of scholars.