Journal of Contemporary History

Journal of Contemporary History is a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal that covers topics related to World War II, the Cold War, and other significant events of the 20th century, including the Russian Revolution, Fascist Italy, and Nazi Germany. The journal publishes articles by renowned historians such as Eric Hobsbawm, Niall Ferguson, and Ian Kershaw, and features research on various aspects of European history, American history, and Asian history. It also explores the role of key figures like Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong in shaping the course of modern history, including their involvement in major events like the Yalta Conference, the Potsdam Conference, and the Chinese Civil War.

● History

The Journal of Contemporary History was founded in 1966 by Walter Laqueur and George Mosse, with the aim of providing a platform for scholars to discuss and analyze the major events and trends of the 20th century, including the Rise of Fascism, the Spanish Civil War, and the Korean War. Over the years, the journal has published articles on a wide range of topics, from the History of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the Decolonization of Africa. The journal has also featured special issues on topics like the Holocaust, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and the Vietnam War, with contributions from experts like Elie Wiesel, Shimon Peres, and Henry Kissinger.

● Scope and Focus

The Journal of Contemporary History focuses on the period from the late 19th century to the present, with a particular emphasis on the Interwar period, World War II, and the Cold War. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including International relations, Diplomatic history, and Social history, with a focus on the experiences of countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. It also explores the role of key institutions like the United Nations, the European Union, and the NATO in shaping the modern world, and features articles on the history of Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism, including the ideas of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and Milton Friedman.

● Publication and Indexing

The Journal of Contemporary History is published quarterly by SAGE Publications and is available in print and online formats. The journal is indexed in major databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and JSTOR, and is ranked as one of the top history journals in the world, alongside publications like the American Historical Review, the Historical Journal, and the Journal of Modern History. The journal's articles are widely cited in other academic publications, including works by Historians like Doris Kearns Goodwin, David McCullough, and Gordon Wood, and are often featured in media outlets like the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the BBC.

● Editorial Board and Contributors

The Journal of Contemporary History has a distinguished editorial board that includes prominent historians like Richard Evans, Mary Fulbrook, and Mark Mazower. The journal's contributors are drawn from a wide range of academic institutions, including Harvard University, Oxford University, and the University of California, Berkeley, and include experts like Niall Ferguson, Ian Kershaw, and Eric Hobsbawm. The journal also features articles by younger scholars, like Timothy Snyder and Annette Wieviorka, who are making significant contributions to the field of contemporary history, including research on topics like the Ukrainian Famine and the Vichy regime.

● Impact and Reception

The Journal of Contemporary History has had a significant impact on the field of historical studies, with its articles and special issues influencing the work of scholars like Tony Judt, Martin Gilbert, and Gerhard Weinberg. The journal's focus on contemporary history has helped to shape the way we understand major events like the Fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror, and has featured contributions from experts like Henry Kissinger, Zbigniew Brzezinski, and Condoleezza Rice. The journal's reputation as a leading publication in the field has been recognized by awards like the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, and its articles are widely read and cited by scholars, policymakers, and journalists, including those at The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Foreign Affairs.

● Notable Articles and Issues

The Journal of Contemporary History has published many notable articles and special issues over the years, including a special issue on the 50th anniversary of World War II that featured contributions from historians like John Keegan and Gerhard Weinberg. The journal has also published articles on topics like the History of the European Union, the Rise of China, and the Arab Spring, with contributions from experts like Josef Joffe, Fareed Zakaria, and Thomas Friedman. Other notable issues have included a special issue on the History of the Cold War that featured articles by John Gaddis and Odd Arne Westad, and a special issue on the History of Terrorism that included contributions from experts like Bruce Hoffman and Jessica Stern. The journal's articles have been widely praised for their insight and analysis, and have helped to shape the way we understand the complex and often tumultuous events of the 20th and 21st centuries, including the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War.

Category:History journals