Michael Shurkin, a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation, documents the evolution of French counterinsurgency (COIN) practices and doctrines from 19th-century colonial operations & the Cold War to present day Operation Barkhane, which began in 2014. He argues that the French military is currently limiting itself to focusing on security in the anticipation that others will do the political work.
Read more on Texas National Security Review
The Department of History invites applications for a PhD in History focused on exploring the Cold War in global perspectives. Particular themes could include post-colonial security issues, such as defence and/or military assistance relations between the superpowers, the former metropoles or other West European countries and African states, conflicts, human rights or peace keeping. We would particularly welcome applications which avoid a Eurocentric perspective.
The Department of History has a strong and growing reputation for research in this field with three new appointments complementing the thematic expertise of existing staff. The department is launching a new MA in Military and International History in 2019 and are thus growing research communities in this field. You are also likely to benefit from a variety of Cold War-related projects in the department, as well as staff roles on international academic bodies and Marco Wyss’s editorial roles including the International Journal of Military History and Historiography, and the book series ‘New Perspectives on the Cold War’ (Brill).
Please contact Dr Marco Wyss (m.wyss@lancaster.ac.uk) to discuss your interest in this fully funded PhD.