Sir Laurence Martin Obituary

Laurence Martin, a renowned historian and security strategist, passed away at the age of 93. He delivered the BBC Reith lectures in 1981, where he spoke about the dire need to avoid a nuclear war, a topic that is once again a concern for the western world. Martin recognized the difficulties involved in ensuring safety, which became the subject of his book, The Two Edged Sword: Armed Force in the Modern World. Although he advocated for open debates, he remained “relatively pessimistic” about prospects for unity and self-reliance in defense matters with nuclear-armed countries such as the former Soviet Union. He strongly opposed unilateral disarmament and believed in maintaining strong defenses combined with conventional weapon capability.

Martin’s political beliefs were considered middle of the road, however, he was regarded by some as being right-wing or an “extreme moderate.” He held invaluable qualities such as quick-thinking, diplomacy, personal charm and a keen sense of fairness, which made him a consummate committee member and well-respected by his colleagues.

Martin was involved with many national and international institutions. Starting in 1969 as one of the leading lights for the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, he served as co-chair from 1998 and was senior advisor for six years from 2000. He also served on the council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies from 1973 to 1983 and was involved with the Institute for the Study of Conflict. His tenure as director of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs (1991-96), marked the culmination of his work as a security strategist. During this time, Chatham House’s experts, researchers and staff played an instrumental role in facilitating dialogue between governments and policymakers, providing guidance surrounding challenges such as the break-up of the Soviet Union, war in Yugoslavia, and the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq.

Martin was born and raised in Cornwall, and after pursuing a degree in history from Christ’s College, Cambridge, he crossed the Atlantic to undertake his PhD in Woodrow Wilson at Yale. He later became a Woodrow Wilson professor of international politics at the University of Wales and head of the war studies department at King’s College London before moving on to become vice-chancellor at the University of Newcastle. His leadership during this time brought significant expansion and reform to the university’s higher education system.

The legacy of Martin’s work as a security strategist was demonstrated through his impactful writing, such as Strategic Thought in the Nuclear Age and Arms and Strategy, which remains an international survey of modern defence. His willingness to engage in open conversations and his diplomatic skills made him a valuable ally in bridging the gap between national and international policymakers.

In 1951, he tied the knot with Betty Parnall and together they were blessed with a son named Bill and a daughter named Jane. Unfortunately, both his wife and daughter passed on before him. However, he is survived by his son and two grandsons, namely Tom and Jack.