Educator & Author
Equipped with a Master's degree from Yale University and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Chicago, Dr. Brijen K. Gupta taught for two years at Southern Illinois University, then traveled to New Zealand and taught for three years, then back to the United States and became a a Professor of History at Columbia University, Brooklyn College, University of Rochester and SUNY-Brockport. He has worked for a New York City Think Tank, and the Council on International and Public Affairs, sometimes commuting to NYC, keeping a virtual office at home.
Dr. Gupta is very happy that his scholarship was recognized, through the large number of awards he received, often in the form of grants and research grants from the National Science Foundation, Carnegie Corporation, and others, and especially being held in very high esteem by his colleagues. He has authored and co-authored four books, and dozens of scholarly articles. His projects range from the study on international relations between north and south countries, and the transfer of technologies. However, there were times when obstacles occurred, and he felt overt or hidden racial discrimination, which meant it took him longer to be considered for tenure, or opportunities. At times, he felt he did not have as much freedom to compete for certain jobs, and one time he was discouraged from applying for an opportunity due to his "accent."
When asked about the academic atmosphere and his first recollections teaching, Dr. Gupta shared that his strongest memory was a subtle conflict with his department chairman, he being more fairly conservative, where Dr. Gupta considered himself as fairly liberal. Dr. Gupta shared that he sees himself as a "left wing social democrat," who believes in the social welfare state. From what he has seen as a young man working in the relief camps after the war, he believes that government can play a positive role in the lives of individuals. His concern is that private enterprise may not be helpful to the poor and disadvantaged. He is quick to point out that he does not believe in social Darwinism, the survival of the fittest. He is firmly anti-war, and saw too much violence and bloodshed during his birth country's fight for independence. He stated that he is a pacifist, and do not support any war wholeheartedly.