Norwich University welcomes David Last, PhD, as a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in the Peace and War Center this semester.
The program between Norwich University and the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the US establishes a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair at Norwich University to focus on research pertaining to military and diplomatic affairs.
Last brings vast experience from having served in the Canadian army for 30 years, and teaching political science and war studies at the Royal Military College of Canada since 1999. He is an accomplished scholar with a focus on understanding what our future officers and security professionals will need if they are to be successful in an uncertain future.
While at Norwich, Last plans to support two international initiatives that will involve both Norwich students and cadets from Canada’s Royal Military College: an international seminar on non-violent conflict in Toronto, February 27-28, and an international field study of conflict perspectives in the Middle East in May. He will also be finishing a book for mid-career security professionals.
Last is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada (BA), Carleton University (MA), the London School of Economics (PhD), and the US Army Command and General Staff College (MMAS). He served in the Canadian army for 30 years, and has taught political science and war studies at the Royal Military College of Canada since 1999, including three years as registrar. He served in Germany during the Cold War, and his peacekeeping assignments included commanding Blue Beret Camp in Cyprus; Force Commander’s staff in Croatia; and Civil Affairs in Bosnia, with field research on conflict management in the Balkans, West Africa and the Middle East. He has edited or co-edited six books and published more than 60 chapters and articles on peacekeeping, conflict, and higher education. Since 2009 his research has focused on conflict management, taking a global comparative perspective on security education. He is married to Dr. Desre Kramer of Toronto.
“We are very fortunate to have Dr. David Last join us this semester. He brings a wealth of academic and professional experience that will benefit the Norwich community at all levels,” Peace and War Center Director Prof. Travis Morris said. “During his time at Norwich, Dr. Last will give several presentations, meet with faculty and students, and explore collaborative endeavors between Norwich University and Canada’s Royal Military College.”
Norwich University's Peace and War Center advances scholarship and deliberation on warfare and its mitigation, processes, and conditions of peace. The Center’s work emphasizes research and discussion on the precipitating factors and preconditions of war and peace. In order to understand the cycles of war and peace, it is critical to examine the role of culture and language, analyze the ideological roots of turmoil, and stability, and the evolving role of technology. The Center is designed to be a multi and interdisciplinary mix of international scholars and practitioners.