The Uses of History in Foreign Policy

An event co-sponsored by the Clements Center, Strauss Center, Sanford School of Public Policy, and Triangle Institute

May 16 - May 17, 2013  |    |  Duke University

Participants will examine a range of related questions, including:

– How has the “Vietnam analogy” shaped U.S. policy since the 1970s?
– How did Henry Kissinger’s understanding of history shape his approach to grand strategy?
– How do different countries incorporate historical insights into foreign policy?
– How can historical knowledge inform current debates on humanitarian intervention, long-term strategic competitions, human trafficking, and other issues?
– What type of historical knowledge lends itself to good policy decisions?
– What do policymakers think about the utility of history, and what kind of history do they find useful?