Richard Meissner is an associate professor in international politics at the University of South Africa. He teaches foreign policy analysis and peace, safety and security, focusing on topics such as civil and international conflict, democracy, ideology, party politics, environmental politics and other issues related to international relations and political science. His graduate studies were in both political studies and philosophy at the universities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. He specialises in the analysis of international politics, political issues and water governance related to but not limited to the complexities and interactions between and among non-state actors, international organisations, local governments and other state organs. Prior to joining UNISA, he worked as a senior researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), researching water governance and politics.
He has published widely on these and other subjects. His numerous publications include peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, popular articles, technical reports, co-authored articles and book chapters. He has also presented papers at numerous local and international conferences, seminars, and workshops.
He holds a DPhil in international politics from the University of Pretoria.