Legendary MSU Professor Dies

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Mississippi State University announces the passing of legendary international security studies pioneer Janos Radvanyi, who died Monday night following an extended illness.

He was 93.

“Dr. Radvanyi brought international issues to the forefront in our state, and was a visionary in promoting the study of critical security concerns ranging from environmental threats to Russian resurgence,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “He was a tremendous force in helping define global concerns.”

Prior to receiving political asylum in the United States in 1968, Radvanyi was Hungary’s ambassador to the United States.

After relocating to California to complete a doctorate in history at Stanford University, he joined the MSU history faculty at MSU in 1972. He founded the Center for International Security and Strategic Studies a decade later and, in 1996, the university named him the first chair holder for the newly established ISSS chair.

In 1994, the now free and independent Republic of Hungary honored Radvanyi for his achievements through the MSU center to help it begin erasing nearly 40 years of communist mismanagement. The Award for Development of Foreign Economy cited his achievements in strengthening Hungary’s ties with the U.S. and Japan. MSU honored Radvanyi for lifetime achievement in 2012.

Radvanyi’s scholarly work focused on research, including extensive writing and the teaching of special seminars. He devoted full attention to vital international problems with emphasis on the post-communist era’s complex security issues. He also was active in the new research field of environmental security.

Through the Executive Lecture Forum, Radvanyi broadened international awareness and perspectives by bringing world dignitaries and respected speakers to Mississippi, including former French Ambassador Emmanuel de Margerie, Juergen Chrobog, former ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, and retired Rear Adm. Sumihiko Kawamura of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and vice president of the Okazaki Institute.

He is survived by a daughter, Juliana Radvanyi, and a son, Janos Radvanyi, Jr.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.