Disclaimer: For in-person events we operate a policy of overbooking, given drop-out rates. Please ensure you arrive in good time to avoid disappointment on the day.

With the passing of Professor Jack Spence in August 2025, we lost a friend, colleague, mentor, and a giant of British academia. For over 60 years, Jack was a leading figure in International Relations, having held numerous professorships (including 25 years in the Department of War Studies), as well as tenures as the Chairman of the British International Studies Association and as Director of Research at Chatham House.

Jack’s research and writing was certainly impressive. His list of publications included seven books and monographs and over sixty articles and book chapters. But perhaps his greatest achievement was his mentorship to younger scholars. Students and faculty from across numerous university departments will remember him as not only an eminent scholar of international politics, but also one of the most thoughtful and generous teachers of his generation.

On the 4th of March, faculty from King’s College London will host a memorial workshop for Jack. We hope to bring together Jack’s friends, colleagues, former pupils, and others he inspired to discuss his legacy.

The day will begin with a service led by the Rev. Tim Ditchfield (Chaplain) in the Chapel, King’s College London, followed by lunch and then an afternoon workshop at King’s.

Speakers

• Professor James Gow, Professor of International Peace and Security at King's
• Andrew Ehrhardt, Visiting Fellow with the Centre for Grand Strategy at King's
• Rev Tim Ditchfield