50th Anniversary of the Academic Career of Professor Edward Haliżak

The event gathered representatives of the academic community from Poland and abroad, colleagues, students, and friends of the Professor. It was an occasion to honor Professor Haliżak’s scholarly, teaching, and organizational achievements, as well as to reflect on five decades of research on international relations in Poland.

University of Warsaw Medal

During the ceremony, His Magnificence the Rector of the University of Warsaw, Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, Ph.D., D.Sc., awarded Professor Edward Haliżak the Medal of the University of Warsaw – the university’s highest distinction, granted for outstanding contributions to its development and the academic community.

In his speech, the Rector emphasized Professor Haliżak’s significant contribution to the advancement of international relations research, the establishment of the Polish school of international relations, and his exceptional role as a mentor to successive generations of scholars.

Scholarly Achievements

Professor Edward Haliżak has been affiliated with the University of Warsaw for five decades, holding numerous academic and administrative positions, including Director of the Institute of International Relations. He is the author and editor of numerous key publications in the fields of international relations theory, foreign policy, and international security. His works—particularly those analyzing global transformations in the international order and the role of East Asia—constitute an important contribution to the development of international relations studies in Poland.

As Chair of the Polish Association for International Studies, Professor Haliżak actively fosters cooperation among scholars and promotes international collaboration, strengthening the position of Polish research institutions worldwide.

Official Ceremony

The official part of the jubilee celebration began with speeches by:

• His Magnificence Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw

• Dr. Katarzyna Kołodziejczyk, Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies (WNPiSM), University of Warsaw

• Dr. Jakub Zajączkowski, Associate Professor, Chair of the Scientific Council of the Discipline of International Relations, University of Warsaw

• Professor Marek Pietraś, Ph.D., D.Sc., Director of the Institute of International Relations at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS), Vice-Chair of the Polish Association for International Studies

The introductory session was moderated by Dr. Aleksandra Jarczewska, Dean’s Representative for the Development of English-Language Studies at WNPiSM.
A speech was also delivered by the jubilarian himself – Professor Edward Haliżak.

Scientific Seminar

After the ceremony, a scientific seminar in English titled “Change in the Global International System 1975–2025” took place, featuring the following presentations:

• Professor Andrew Hurrell (University of Oxford) – Models of Theoretical Explanations of Changes in IR

• Professor David Long (Carleton University) – Academic Hegemony and Change in International Relations: Still the Long American Century or Something New?

• Professor Edward Haliżak (University of Warsaw) – How China’s Rise Has Been Challenging Explanations of Change in the Global International System During the Last Half of the Century

The discussion was moderated by Professor Małgorzata Zachara-Szymańska (Jagiellonian University), with Dr. Dorota Heidrich (University of Warsaw) serving as the discussant.

On behalf of the entire community of the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Haliżak, along with our best wishes for continued success, good health, and fulfillment in pursuing his academic passions.