ICU Researchers Information System

■ Academic Background

1.

2010/09～2013/06

〔Doctoral Course〕 IR (International Politics), University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Completed, PH.D.

2.

2007/09～2009/06

〔Master Course〕 IR (International Relations), University of Oxford, Completed, M. PHIL.

3.

2004/01～2007/08

〔Doctoral Course〕 Law (International Law and Human Rights), University of Auckland, Completed, PH.D.

4.

1994/10～1999/06

Law (International and Comparative Law), Law School, University of Trento, Graduated, LL.B.

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■ #Professional Background

1.

2024/09～

Visiting Fellow/Visiting Professor, Oxford University (Exeter College/DPIR)

2.

2018/10～

Deputy Director, Tokyo Office, Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS)

3.

2018/09～

Associate Professor (New rank system), Division of Arts and Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University

4.

2020/01～2024/03

Joint Coordinator, Network for Humanitarian Action (NOHA), International Christian University (ICU)

5.

2021/04～2024/03

Associate Director, Rotary Peace Center (RPC), International Christian University (ICU)

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■ #Present Specialized Fields

International Relations, United Nations, International Law, International History, International Organization

■ Profile

I am an Associate Professor of International Relations (with tenure) at the Department of Politics and International Studies, International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in international relations, international organization, African politics, world history, and the United Nations. I am also interested in the links between art and international relations.

I was educated at the Universities of Trento (Italy), Auckland (New Zealand), Wales/Aberystwyth (UK), and Oxford (UK), and I hold two doctoral degrees, one in International Law and the other in International Relations.

Before joining ICU, I was a visiting researcher at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Sciences-Po) in Paris, and at Temple University Japan (TUJ) in Tokyo; an officer at the Icelandic Human Rights Centre in Reykjavik, Iceland; and briefly an Associate with the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I was also an Associate Professor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) at the Asian University for Women (AUW), a US-style liberal arts institution with a support foundation in Cambridge, Massachussets, and a campus in Chittagong, Bangladesh, that promotes gender equality.

At ICU, I also served as the Associate Director of the Rotary Peace Center (RPC); the Chair of the Diplomatic and International Public Service Committee (DIPS); a Human Rights Adviser; and the joint coordinator for the Network for Humanitarian Action (NOHA).

Outside of ICU, I serve as the Deputy-Director of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), Tokyo Office; as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan (GPAJ); and as a Senior Adviser to the Center for Advanced Studies on South Asia (CASSA) in Kathmandu, Nepal. I also held several roles at the International Studies Association (ISA), including as Member (twice) and then Chair of the Alger Prize Committee (as a previous winner of the Prize), as well as as a Treasurer of the Asia-Pacific Section. I also sat on the Dissertation Award Committee of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS). Lastly, I work with the United Nations University (UNU) on their Global Seminar.

I have written five books and several academic articles--in four languages--on international issues.

In 2017, my book 'Dangerous Diplomacy' was published by Oxford University Press and won the first prize by the International Studies Association as the best book on international organization and multilateralism, as well as the Biennial Award by the Academic Council of the United Nations System (ACUNS) as the best book on the UN system.

In 2021, my co-authored book (in Italian) with Prof. Michael Foley of Aberystwyth University titled "The Role of Leadership in International Relations" [original title: "La Leadership nelle Relazioni Internazionali: Fonti, Tipologie, e Prospettive Disciplinari"] was published in Milan by FrancoAngeli, while in January 2023 my "The United Nations: A Critical Introduction" [original title: "Le Nazioni Unite: Un'Introduzione Critica"] was published in Turin by UTET, Italy's oldest academic publisher (founded in 1791).

In 2024, my monograph (in French) on the history of international organization titled "The Peacemaker? The Role of the United Nations in International Relations" [original title: "L'Artisan de la Paix? L'ONU dans les Relations Internationales"] was published in Paris. I am currently under contract with Oxford University Press (OUP) to write the first institutional history of the UN Secretariat from an IR perspective, titled "The United Nations Secretariat: A Political History".

In early 2024, I was elected by the governing body of Exeter College, Oxford University, as a visiting fellow/professor from September 2024 to August 2025. During this time, I will also be conducting research at the Department of Politics and International Relations, Oxford University, as well as at Oxford's Bodleian Library. Also in 2024, I was asked to appear before the French Parliament ("Assemblée Nationale") to provide advice on UN reform; my report was used by its Foreign Affairs Select Committee to advise the French Government on its proposals to reform the Organization, including the Security Council.

A cosmopolitan by vocation, I am fluent in English, Italian, French and Spanish. I am also a life-long enthusiast of history and archaeology, and I am a passionate collector of ancient art.

For more info, please visit www.hermansalton.net

■ #Main Course Titles

International History, Multilateral Diplomacy, Advanced Studies in International Relations, International Relations in Africa, UNU Global Seminar, Genocide Studies

■ #Books and Articles

1.

Book

The United Nations Secretariat: A Political History [under contract with Oxford University Press] (Single) 2025/06