José Alvaro Moisés in Memoriam (1945-2026)

Photo credit: Leonor Calasans (IEA-USP)

The IPSA family is deeply saddened by the passing of José Álvaro Moisés at the age of 81. On behalf of IPSA and the global political science community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and loved ones.

Prof. Moisés served on the IPSA Executive Committee (EC) for two terms (2009-2012 and 2012-2014). He was also appointed by the IPSA EC to represent the Association at the International Social Science Council (ISSC) from 2014 to 2016 and was elected to the ISSC Executive Committee in 2014. Prof. Moisés co-founded the IPSA Research Committee on Quality of Democracy (RC34) with Marianne Kneuer. RC34 was launched at the 2012 IPSA World Congress in Madrid. He was unanimously elected first Chair of RC34.

Prof. Moisés was a full Professor of Political Science at the Faculty of Philosophy, Languages and Literature, and Human Sciences at the University of São Paulo (USP), where he also served as director of the Centre for Public Policy Research. 

He held a master’s degree in politics and government from the University of Essex (1972) and a PhD in political science from the University of São Paulo (1978). He was a Visiting Fellow at St Antony’s College, University of Oxford (1991-1992). With Brazil’s Ministry of Culture, he served as National Secretary for Cultural Support (1995-1998) and National Secretary for Audiovisual Development (1999–2002). 

His research and teaching focused on democratic theory and political behaviour, with particular attention to political transition, democratization, political culture and civil society, citizenship and rights, democratic institutions, and the quality of democracy. He also had extensive experience in cultural policy management.

A tribute written by José Veríssimo Romão Netto (Chair, RC34 – Quality of Democracy) is available HERE.