Skip navigation.

SHAFR Opinion

Why Do We Fight in Afghanistan?

by Susan Brewer

More people have been asking that question lately. For years Americans have been told that despite setbacks we are making progress there. Making progress toward what, people wonder. What is the mission of the United States in Afghanistan? After more than a decade since the launch of Operation Enduring Freedom, it is worth revisiting what [...]

A Center-Left Leader, Missed Opportunities, and Anti-Americanism: A Possible new Direction in U.S. Policy Towards the Western Hemisphere?

by James Siekmeier

I received an email from a former colleague and friend of mine recently who concluded that Lula’s (Luiz Inácio Lula de Silva) two terms in office as President of Brazil (2003-2010) represented a missed opportunity for the United States–and United States-Latin American relations in general. Here was a center-left leader, in one of the world’s [...]

A New Cold War at the Water’s Edge?

by Andrew Johnstone

An essential rule for politicians: always make sure the microphone is off.  On March 26 at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, Barack Obama was overheard discussing missile defence with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. With an open mic, Obama told Medvedev “This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.”[1] Russia currently [...]

Is the System the Solution? Past Policies, Current Dilemmas, and Inter-American Relations in the 21st Century

by James Siekmeier

More than 20 years have passed since the last full-fledged U.S. military intervention in Latin America (Panama, 1989, in case your memories are hazy).  Starting in the 1980s, democratization flowered in the region for numerous reasons—but mostly internal reasons based in Latin American history and society. Starting in the 1990s, with the end of the [...]

Visions of War

by Susan Brewer

On December 15th President Barack Obama welcomed home U.S. troops from a war he once had called “dumb.” His speech avoided the reasons why the Iraq War was fought and focused instead on honoring the American servicemen and women who fought it.  Inspiring words–“extraordinary achievement,” “honor,” “sacrifice,” “finest fighting force,” “unbroken line of heroes,” “progress [...]

Newt Gingrich and the (ab)Uses of History

by Andrew Johnstone

It is an honor to join the SHAFR blogging team for 2011-12.  While SHAFR is (as the name makes perfectly clear) a society that focuses on the history of American foreign relations, there is no doubt that we are as well placed as anyone to make connections between historical events and contemporary issues in American [...]

Issues for the 2012 Presidential Election

by Nick Sarantakes

The United States of America is about to enter a presidential election year.  Actually, it already has entered the political season.  The election of 2012 will most likely turn on economics, but as Andy Johns pointed out in his blog, foreign policy is always important and next year’s contest will be no different.  In addition, [...]

« View Older Posts

Job Listings

This page will be used to post announcements for academic positions in Diplomatic History when they become available. If you are a department chair or search committee chair wishing to announce a position in this space, please email: shafr@osu.edu.

  • Series Editor – Adams Papers
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Florida State University
  • Assistant Professor of History, University of Albany, SUNY
  • Assistant Professor of History, Stanford University
  • Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Urban Studies, Zayed University
  • Assistant Professor, The United States in the World, Oregon State University
  • Assistant Professor, US Foreign Relations, Fordham University

  • Series Editor—Adams Papers

    The Adams Papers, based at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, seeks a series editor for the Papers of John Adams. Since its establishment in 1954, the Adams Papers has published 46 volumes of the diaries and letters of the Adams family of Massachusetts; currently we publish two series, Adams Family Correspondence and the Papers of John Adams. Volume 16 of the Papers of John Adams appeared in early 2012. This replacement position will include a brief transitional period while the current editor completes his last volume. There are approximately twenty more volumes to complete the series.

    Work on the Adams Papers provides a unique opportunity to explore the fields of late eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century history through the correspondence and writings of one of America’s first families. The series editor’s responsibilities include selection and tandem proofreading of documents for publication, research and drafting of annotation, and taking the primary role in producing each volume’s Cindex-based index. The series editor will direct the work of at least one assistant or associate editor. The series editor reports to the editor in chief and cooperates in the management and promotion of the edition.

    Requirements for the position include a History Ph.D. in the Revolutionary era or the Early Republic, mastery of the political and diplomatic history of the United States, excellent research and writing skills, and proven experience in the field of documentary editing. Reading knowledge of French and familiarity with book production are preferred; a collegial spirit is essential. Please send an application letter, resume and the names of three references to C. James Taylor, Editor in Chief, Adams Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215. Review of applications will begin immediately. For further information call 617-646-0516 or email jtaylor [at] masshist [dot] org.

    Postdoctoral Fellow, Histories of the North

    Department of History, The Florida State University

    Primary Field:

    History of Science, Medicine, and Technology

    Secondary Fields:

    Environmental History / Studies

    Diplomacy and International Relations

    American History / Studies

    European History / Studies

    World History / Studies

    Oral History

    Approved: 28 February 2012

    The Department of History at The Florida State University seeks a postdoctoral fellow for the 2012-13 academic year, beginning 15 August 2012. The successful applicant will be pursuing research in the history of recent science involving northern regions, broadly conceived, including intersections with environmental history, diplomatic history, Arctic history, U.S. and Canadian history, and the history of technology. In addition to pursuing research, the successful applicant will teach two sections of an undergraduate history of science survey.

    The fellow will have an office within FSU’s Department of History, a vibrant intellectual community of some thirty faculty including six scholars specialized in the history of science, technology, medicine, and the environment. The Department is home to several specialized research centers, including the Reichelt Oral History Program and the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience. Applicants must have been awarded a Ph.D. after 1 December 2007 (or must successfully defend before 30 June 2012). The fellowship includes a research stipend of $3000.

    Applications should be submitted via email to rdoel@fsu.edu (please use subject heading POSTDOC). Applicants must submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a writing sample (an article for publication or a section of the dissertation), evidence of successful teaching, and the names (and contact information) of three individuals who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation. The deadline for receipt of applications is 1 April 2012. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE.

    Postdoctoral Historian Position

    Professor Ronald E. Doel, Search Committee Chair

    Department of History

    The Florida State University

    401 Bellamy Bldg.

    Tallahassee, FL  32306-2200

    Email: rdoel@fsu.edu

    Assistant Professor of History, University of Albany

    The History Department of the University at Albany, SUNY, invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in the United States and the World in the 20th Century. The Department is especially interested in historians whose work focuses on American participation in the global economy or American relations with Asia or Latin America. The successful candidate will teach lower-level surveys as well as more specialized, upper-level and graduate courses in thematic and geographical areas of specialization.

    Requirements: Applicants must show promise of a distinguished career as a scholar and teacher. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in hand. Degrees must be from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization; additionally applicants must address in their applications their ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
    Professional Rank and Salary Range: Competitive salary with start up funds
    Starting Date: Fall 2012
    Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=28176
    Applicants MUST submit the following documents: CV; Cover letter discussing research and teaching interests; Evidence of teaching experience (including evaluations); A short writing sample; Three letters of recommendation, emailed to: iandrea@albany.edu
    The University at Albany’s Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml
    The University at Albany is an EEO/AA/IRCA/ADA employer.
    We have a strong commitment to the affirmation of diversity.

    Apply Here

    Assistant Professor of History, Stanford University

    The Department of History at Stanford University seeks an outstanding junior scholar for a tenure-track assistant professorship in twentieth-century United States history, with a preference for the post-WWII period.  The appointment begins September 1, 2012.  Ph.D. must be in hand by time of appointment. We are especially interested in candidates who can offer a broad program of teaching and research in twentieth-century US history.

    Application materials must be submitted on-line via academicjobsonline.org. https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/768 Please submit a letter of application, including a brief statement of research interest, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample (two dissertation chapters or the equivalent) by October 3, 2011.

    Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty.  It welcomes nominations of, and applications from, women and members of minority groups, as well as others who would bring additional dimensions to the university’s research and teaching missions.

    Assistant, Associate or Full Professor
    Urban Studies Scholar, Humanities and Social Sciences

    College of Arts and Sciences
    Zayed University
    Abu Dhabi, January or September 2012

    The University

    Zayed University, a premier university in the United Arab Emirates, is an innovative institution based on an international model of higher education. With over 750 faculty and staff serving approximately 5900 students across two main campuses – as well as satellite locations – in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the University prepares graduates to become leaders in government, business, civil society, and family life. The University expects its graduates to be fully bilingual in English and Arabic, proficient in the use of computing technology, and strong in quantitative and research skills. The language of instruction and administration at the University is English.

    Zayed University is fully accredited in the U.A.E. as well as by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the U.S.A.

    The United Arab Emirates is a progressive country known for its high standard of living and its safe and family-friendly environment.

    The Opportunity

    The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences invites applications for a full-time position on the Abu Dhabi campus.  We are interested in a scholar specializing in Urban Studies. The area of disciplinary specialization within the Humanities and Social Sciences is open.

    The Department is especially interested in applicants who can contribute to the refinement of sustainability studies in the social sciences and, in particular, to the preservation of cultures, economies, and societies in a rapidly-developing scientific and technological world. Individuals with scholarship on the built environment, cultural landscapes, and familiarity with the Middle East are encouraged to apply.

    The Humanities and Social Sciences Department is a multi-disciplinary department offering a major in International Studies, with concentrations in Culture and Society or International Affairs and a major in Emirati Studies.  Undergraduate and graduate programs in the field are developing to uniquely equip graduates for employment and leadership in sustainable cities, industries and societies.  The teaching load will also include one or more courses in the Colloquy on Integrated Learning, the University’s core curriculum.

    The Requirements

    Candidates should have a Ph.D. from a recognized university and the capacity to teach and research in an interdisciplinary environment. Evidence of teaching excellence and experience is important, including potential to supervise senior thesis projects.

    The Benefits

    The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., housing, a furniture allowance, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.

    To Apply

    Please visit our web site www.zu.ac.ae and click on ‘Employment’ to be directed to the recruitment website. In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, the names and contact details of three professional references a statement of undergraduate teaching philosophy, and a statement of scholarly and creative interests, particularly as they might apply to the Middle East, and as to how they might involve undergraduate students.  If possible, also include student or departmental teaching evaluations.

    The review of applications will begin immediately, with more concentrated attention beginning September 1, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is January 2012, but a start date of August 2012 will be considered.

    Assistant Professor, United States in the World, Oregon State University

    The Department of History at Oregon State University invites applications for a tenure-track position in the history of the United States in the World, to begin Fall 2012.  Assistant Professor preferred; Associate Professor possible.  The successful candidate will have the Ph.D. in History and specialize in the United States in a global context, American international relations, and/or transnational history.  Candidates should demonstrate a serious commitment to both scholarship and teaching.  Teaching responsibilities include the U.S. history survey and upper-division and other appropriate courses in one or more areas of specialization. To apply, submit letter of application and current C.V. via our application website at https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/, and three letters of reference to Professor Marisa Chappell, Chair, US in the World Search Committee, History Department, Oregon State University, 306 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331.  Full consideration will be given to candidates whose applications are complete by November 1, 2011. Oregon State University is an AA/EO Employer.

    Assistant Professor, US Foreign Relations, Fordham University

    The Department of History at Fordham University invites applications for a tenure-track appointment as assistant professor in the history of American foreign relations, especially post-1945, with ability to teach courses in American political history. We seek an active scholar capable of teaching the US history core course, as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s field. Candidates must have the PhD in hand by September 1, 2012. Send letter of application, c.v., and three letters of recommendation via Interfolio, http://www.interfolio.com/apply/3049, by November 15, 2011. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Daniel Soyer, chair, History Department, soyer@fordham.edu. Fordham is an independent, Catholic University in the Jesuit tradition and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that welcomes applications from men and women of all backgrounds.