Hobart and William Smith Colleges

PETER R. BECKMAN

Professor Emeritus of Political Science
1971-2001

Peter Beckman came to the Colleges in 1971 as an assistant professor of political science, was promoted to associate professor in 1979 before rising to full professor in 1986. His research includes major emphasis on the state of nuclear weapons in the world arena and women's role in politics and international relations. He is the author of "World Politics in the Twentieth Century," co-author of "The Nuclear Predicament" and "Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear States, and Terrorism" and the co-editor of "Women, Gender, World Politics" and "Women in World Politics." Beckman was the co-recipient of the Faculty Award for Distinguished Contribution to Community Life in 1979 along with Professor of Sociology Jim Spates. Beckman taught at the Colleges for 30 years before retiring in 2001. He is currently a mystery writer and is the author of two books: "A Lecture to Die For" and "Of Sunsets, Mountains, and Murder." Beckman earned a B.A. in international relations from Syracuse University, an M.A. in international relations from the University of Chicago, and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Wisconsin.

Several alums credit Beckman with putting them on the track to their current careers, noting that his teaching continues to influence the way that they think about foreign policy today.