The BSA would like to express its sadness at the death of Robert Fine, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick, at the age of 72.

Professor Fine was a prominent scholar on the history of social and political theory, the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, human rights and crimes against humanity. 

Professor Fine had served as Head of the Department of Sociology at Warwick, and as founding Director of its Social Theory Centre. He sat on the Executive of the European Sociological Association and helped establish its Network 31 on Racism and Antisemitism.

His monographs included Cosmopolitanism (2007); Democracy and the Rule of Law: Marx’s Critique of the Legal Form (2002 and 1984); Political Investigations: Hegel, Marx, Arendt (2001); and Beyond Apartheid: Labour and Liberation in South Africa (1990).

He co-edited various works, including Social Theory after the Holocaust (2000); People, Nation and State (1999); Civil Society: Democratic Perspectives (1997); Policing the Miners’ Strike (1985); and Capitalism and the Rule of Law (1979).

In 1996 he won a landmark case against a student who was stalking him, the first time damages were awarded for this. The case was the topic of his book Being Stalked: A Memoir (1997).

His leisure pursuits included mountain walking and Arsenal football club.

Professor Fine was widely valued for his generosity of spirit and helpfulness to staff and students, and will be much missed.

Robert Fine's funeral will take place at 3.00 pm on Friday, 15 June at Golders Green Crematorium, 62 Hoop Lane, London NW11 7NL.  All are welcome.