Dr. Richard (Dick) Newton Rosecrance, a leading scholar and professor in international relations and peace studies, died on March 7th, 2024, at the age of 93, after a long illness. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 24, 1930, he was the only child of Frank and Marjorie (Newton) Rosecrance. Dr. Rosecrance earned his bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College and his doctorate from Harvard University. He then embarked on a distinguished academic career, holding teaching positions at renowned institutions such as Brown, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Cornell, and Harvard’s Kennedy School.
A prolific writer, Dr. Rosecrance explored diverse international affairs topics, including the causes of war, nuclear issues, globalization, and the rise of China. His influential books, including Action and Reaction in World Politics, The Rise of the Trading State, and The Rise of the Virtual State (translated into multiple languages), cemented his reputation as a leading thinker.
His research was further bolstered by prestigious fellowships from Guggenheim, Rockefeller, Ford, Fulbright, and NATO. He championed international cooperation, diplomacy, trade and soft power as a means to strengthen international ties and skirt recourse to military action in state-to-state interaction. His optimistic and passionate voice, deeply informed by examples in history and economics, will be sorely missed in these troubled days.
He was a revered mentor and advisor, admired for his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering support for students and colleagues. His passion for education was evident in his approachable nature and the dedication he invested in mentoring maturing scholars.
Dr. Rosecrance was a committed and competitive athlete enjoying a rousing match of squash, tennis or table tennis. Indulging his palette of fine wine and gourmet cuisine with family and friends was a deep delight. Loving classical music, he took up the piano while at Cornell and enjoyed plugging away, advancing at the end of his life to “Flight of the Bumblebees.”
He is survived by his children from his first marriage (Anne Rosecrance, Gail Rosecrance, and Richard C. Rosecrance), his step children (Thomas Dreeben, Jill Dreeben and Jane Dreeben), and 10 grandchildren. A memorial service was held to honor his life and achievements on Monday, April 29th at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA. ■
