Historical Studies

How does the past shape our current international relations, law, and system? What can history teach us about alternative modes of political and global structures? In Historical Studies, we focus on how the past impacts our present and can guide our decisions for the future.

Our resident and non-resident faculty cover broad thematic specialties, ranging from courses on the history of international relations, global health regimes to film and music in history. We offer courses on the history of different world regions: as well as functional areas including conflict, culture, and development. In accordance with the DA program, we uphold the interdisciplinary approach in teaching history by exploring how historical analysis can inform our understanding of contemporary economics, international relations, and international law. We explore the historical roots of issues we face now and how societies have historically dealt with problems ranging from war, refugee crises, to climate change.