Gunnar Heckscher

Gunnar Edvard Heckscher (8 July 1909 – 24 November 1987) was a prominent Swedish political scientist, academic, and conservative politician. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in 1934 and soon became a docent in political science at Uppsala University. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he lectured in political science at both Uppsala University and Stockholm University College. He later held significant roles at the Stockholm School of Social Work, where he became rector in 1945 and professor of political science by 1948. In 1961, Heckscher became chairman of the National Organization of the Swedish Conservative Party, serving until 1965, and was a member of Sweden's Lower House of the Riksdag, representing the Right Party, where he advocated for Sweden's membership in the European Community.

Heckscher also had a distinguished diplomatic career, serving as Sweden's ambassador in New Delhi (1965–1970), Tokyo (1970–1975), and as a delegate to the United Nations in 1975. Throughout his career, he held various international roles, including vice-chair of the International Political Science Association and membership on the Council of Europe's Consultative Assembly, where he chaired the Economic Committee. Additionally, he played key roles in several governmental committees, focusing on psychological defence, public administration, and constitutional reform.

Early life Heckscher was born on 8 July 1909 Danderyd, Sweden, the son of Professor Eli Heckscher and teacher . He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Uppsala University in 1927, a Licentiate degree in 1932, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1934. Heckscher became docent in political science at Uppsala University in 1933.

Career

Heckscher served as assistant director for the Stockholm School of Social Work and Public Administration (Stockholms socialinstitut) in 1941, acting director in 1942, and became a lecturer in government and municipal studies in 1945. He was chairman of the National Organization of the Swedish Conservative Party (Högerpartiets riksorganisation) from 1961 to 1965, ambassador in New Delhi from 1965 to 1970 (with dual accreditation in Colombo and Kathmandu ) Tokyo from 1970 to 1975 (with dual accreditation in Seoul ), and UN delegate in 1975. Social Democratic politician and later National Police Commissioner.

Death Heckscher died in Uppsala on 24 November 1987 and is buried at Skogskyrkogården in Stockholm.

Awards and decorations