Ross Berkes; Expert on International Relations

Ross N. Berkes, 87, former director of the school of international relations at USC. Born in Cleveland, Berkes earned his bachelor’s degree at George Washington University in Washington before coming west to pursue advanced degrees. He earned a master’s degree in international relations and a doctorate in political science, both from USC. He served as a U.S. naval officer during World War II. Berkes was director of the school of international relations from 1949 until 1976. He continued teaching until 1981, when he was named professor emeritus. He served as a consultant to the State Department from 1958 to 1962 and directed the Institute of World Affairs in Santa Barbara from 1977 to 1980. “As director of USC’s School of International Relations, Berkes built its reputation from that of a virtually unknown, parochial institution to one of national stature,” Totton J. Anderson, professor emeritus of political science, wrote of Berkes. A memorial service will be held on the University Park campus at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 at USC’s Town & Gown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ross N. Berkes Scholarship Fund, c/o the School of International Relations, Von KleinSmid Center 330, 3518 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0043. On Nov. 29 of respiratory failure at his Los Angeles home.