Rory Stewart, former UK cabinet minister and diplomat, has been appointed as Professor in Practice in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics. His role aims to bridge academic studies with the realities of policy-making and global issues. 

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has announced the appointment of Rory Stewart as Professor in Practice in the Department of International Relations, effective September 2026. Stewart brings a wealth of experience from his career in politics, diplomacy, academia, and international development to the role.

As Professor Stewart, he will connect the academic study of international relations with practical policy-making and global affairs. 

Stewart’s career includes serving as a UK cabinet minister, diplomat, and as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Penrith and the Border. His international experience includes roles in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he has taught at Harvard and Yale Universities.

In addition to his roles in various UK governmental departments, including as Secretary of State for International Development and Minister of State for Justice, Stewart has authored six books, among them the bestselling “Politics on the Edge” _{^{(Amazon affiliate link)}} and co-hosts the popular podcast “The Rest Is Politics” with former Labour Party spokesman and advisor Alastair Campbell.

Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Stewart stated, “I’m delighted to be joining LSE. There are few places where you can walk out of a seminar on the future of democracy… and find yourself near institutions grappling with those questions.”

Professor Jeffrey Chwieroth, Head of the Department of International Relations, praised Stewart as an exceptional figure whose insights will greatly benefit both students and colleagues. To celebrate his appointment, Stewart will participate in a public event titled “Weaponising Dependency – The New World Order” on October 14, 2026, focusing on the geopolitical significance of economic interdependence and global supply chains.

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