Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations

Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. It is the principal learned society dedicated to the scholarly study of the history of United States engagement with the world. Founded in 1967, the organization promotes rigorous research, fosters intellectual exchange, and supports the professional development of scholars in this dynamic field. Its membership includes academics, graduate students, public historians, and independent researchers from across the United States and around the globe.

History and founding

The society was established in 1967 by a group of prominent scholars seeking to create a dedicated forum for the study of American diplomatic history. Key figures in its early development included historians such as Armin Rappaport of the University of California, Berkeley and Richard W. Leopold of Northwestern University. Its formation reflected the field's growth following World War II and during the ideological struggles of the Cold War. Initially operating with a small membership, the society's early activities centered on organizing panels at the annual meeting of the American Historical Association. A significant milestone was reached in 1977 with the founding of its flagship journal, Diplomatic History, which provided a dedicated publication venue and helped solidify the organization's academic standing. The society incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1980, establishing a more formal structure for its expanding operations.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to advance the study, teaching, and public understanding of the history of American foreign relations. This encompasses a broad range of topics including diplomacy, military and intelligence history, international trade, cultural exchange, and non-state actors. Key activities include publishing a leading scholarly journal, organizing an annual conference for the presentation of new research, and administering prestigious awards and fellowships. The society actively promotes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging dialogue with scholars of international relations, political science, and area studies. It also supports pedagogical innovation and resources for educators at all levels, from secondary education to graduate school.

Publications

The society's primary publication is the quarterly journal Diplomatic History, published in partnership with Oxford University Press. The journal features peer-reviewed scholarly articles, review essays, and forums on historiographical debates, covering topics from the American Revolution to contemporary global affairs. The society also publishes the SHAFR Guide, an annotated bibliography of resources in the field, and a monthly online newsletter, Passport, which contains news, member updates, and professional opportunities. Through these publications, the society disseminates cutting-edge research and fosters critical conversations among scholars worldwide.

Conferences and awards

The society hosts an annual conference, typically held in June, which serves as the major gathering for scholars in the field. Recent meetings have been held in cities such as Arlington, Virginia, Denver, and Chicago. The conference features hundreds of panel discussions, roundtable discussions, and keynote addresses by distinguished historians like Mary L. Dudziak or Andrew Preston. A central function of the conference is the presentation of numerous awards, including the prestigious Robert H. Ferrell Book Prize for the best scholarly book, the Stuart L. Bernath Book Prize for a first book, and the Norman and Laura Graebner Award for a mid-career scholar. Other significant honors include the Myrna Bernath Fellowship for graduate students and the Arthur S. Link Prize for the best article in Diplomatic History.

Leadership and membership

The society is governed by an elected executive director and a council of leading scholars. The executive director, a position held by historians such as Thomas A. Schwartz of Vanderbilt University, manages the organization's daily operations. The council, which includes representatives from various universities and institutions, sets strategic policy. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the field and comprises approximately 1,200 individuals, including tenured professors at institutions like Harvard University and Ohio State University, adjunct professors, public historians working at sites like the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Historian, independent scholars, and a large contingent of doctoral candidates. The society maintains its administrative office in Columbus, Ohio.

Category:Historical societies in the United States Category:International relations organizations Category:Learned societies of the United States Category:Organizations established in 1967