Robert A. Scalapino, the Robson Research Professor of Government emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, died last Monday in Oakland, of complications from a respiratory infection. He was 92.

A renowned expert in East Asian studies, Scalapino advised three American presidents and various governmental groups on foreign policy. He published some 550 articles and 39 books or monographs on Vietnam, China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan as well as on Asian politics and U.S. Asian policy.

In 1978, Scalapino founded the Institute of East Asian Studies, one of UC Berkeley’s largest research units, and served as its director until retiring in 1990.

He received the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the government of Japan in 1984 for enhancing cooperation and understanding between Japan and the U.S. He also garnered the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, Heung-in Medal from the Seoul government.

(From news reports)