The passing of Professor Pierre du Bois

Professor at HEI from 1992, Pierre du Bois was a well-known specialist in the history of European integration, a field of study that he did not separate from his commitment to Europe. Through his numerous works, he contributed to shedding light on the relationship between Switzerland and the European construction. He enriched the knowledge of Swiss history, with its divisions and tensions – the Sonderbund War, the gap between the French-speaking and German-speaking areas – and of communist Romania, in which he became an informed expert. The courses he gave to other universities (in Neuchâtel, Strasbourg, Vienna), his links with other continents, Latin America in particular, his work as co-director of the French-Swiss Relations Internationales gave him a wide range of influence and earned him the friendship of many people across the world who were charmed by his engaging personality.

 

 

Pierre du Bois was an outstanding teacher who enthralled with the high level of talent he possessed to enter into dialogue between history and current affairs. His students valued him highly and were grateful to him for the kind support that he gave them. His colleagues and co-workers at the HEI will remember his charm, his warmth, the good humour that he spread all around him, his attachment to the Institute and all that he brought us through a loyal and productive relationship.

 

 


Philippe Burrin
Director of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
Geneva

Le Temps, 29 June 2007