Peter Wilson

Peter Wilson is a distinguished academic in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he has been a faculty member since 1990 after joining as a doctoral student in 1987. He has established himself as a leading scholar specializing in international relations theory, particularly the English School and interwar international relations thought.

• Department of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science
• Expertise in International Relations Theory, English School, and Interwar IR
• Author of influential works including 'Thinkers of the Twenty Years' Crisis' (1995)
• Regular participant in major international relations associations

Wilson's research focuses on the historical development of international thought, examining how theoretical frameworks emerged from specific historical contexts. His work consistently bridges historical analysis with contemporary theoretical concerns, particularly regarding the nature of international society and global governance. He has made significant contributions to reassessing interwar idealism and understanding the theoretical foundations of the English School.

His publication record shows remarkable continuity and relevance, spanning from foundational historical work in the 1990s to recent analyses of Brexit and global order fragmentation. The 2023 review of Tucker's work on global discord and the 2021 publications on sovereignty and South Africa's role in IR history demonstrate his ongoing scholarly productivity and engagement with current international challenges.

• 'The Myth of the First Great Debate' (1998) challenged conventional IR historiography
• 'The English School Meets the Chicago School' (2012) proposed theoretical synthesis
• 'The International Consequences of Brexit' (2019) applied English School theory to contemporary events

Wilson has served as an External Examiner at prestigious institutions including Oxford University and his alma mater Keele University. He is a long-standing member of the British International Studies Association (BISA), the International Studies Association (ISA), and the European International Studies Association (EISA), regularly contributing to their conferences. His service extends to public engagement through his role as Secretary of the International Studies Committee of the Gilbert Murray Trust, reflecting his commitment to connecting academic scholarship with broader intellectual discourse.