Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination founder Wolfgang Danspeckgruber dies at 70

Wolfgang F. Danspeckgruber, the founding director of the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He was 70 years old.

Wolfgang was born in Linz, Austria. He received his undergraduate degree from Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria; his Doctor of Laws from the University of Vienna, Austria; and a PhD from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

Wolfgang came to Princeton University in 1987 and was a beloved professor for nearly four decades. He mentored scores of students, who benefited greatly from his many connections in the policy world and led numerous programs and projects. I

n 2001, Wolfgang founded the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. He was also the founder and chair of the Liechtenstein Colloquium on European and International Affairs, a private international diplomacy forum. A researcher, writer, teacher, and diplomat, Wolfgang touched countless lives during his time at Princeton School of International Affairs and throughout his long, distinguished career.

Predeceased by his father, Franz Danspeckgruber. Wolfgang is survived by his loving wife Annegret (Dettwiler) Danspeckgruber, two daughters and two sons-in-law, Carolina and Julien Desmeules, Mariella and Alexander Borschow, mother Maria (Zehetner) Danspeckgruber, sister and brother-in-law Claudia and Hannes Gebetsroither, and five grandchildren, Alix, Scarlett, Elisa, Adele, and Tatiana.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Princeton University Chapel, weather permitting. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the World Food Program USA.