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In the ever-evolving realm of international relations, understanding the historical context is crucial. Dr. Yoav J. Tenembaum’s latest book, Historical Perspective and International Relations, offers a deep dive into the significant events that have shaped modern and contemporary history and the reverberations that echo today.

From how Napoleon’s legacy explains the current conflicts in the Middle East, to why Dr. Tenembaum believes Putin miscalculated in Ukraine, the book navigates through the multi-faceted interplay of history and foreign policy, presenting a compelling case for the necessity of historical perspective in present-day international relations.

Synopsis: Composed of short articles, this book highlights some of the most momentous events in modern and contemporary history having an ongoing effect on the way international relations have evolved. Cardinal events in the history of international relations are assessed from a historical perspective. A section is devoted to the role of history in the shaping of foreign policy. Some articles dwell on the more theoretical aspects of international relations and diplomacy, and others on the intersection of international law and diplomacy.

The book concludes with articles on imagination and the study of history, on the use of counterfactual history, and on historical truth and historical narrative and their relevance in current international relations. The book is aimed at a wide readership, interested in history and international relations.

“As an academic deeply immersed in the study of history and international relations, I wrote this book to bridge the gap between historical events and contemporary diplomatic practices,” says Dr. Tenembaum.

Continuing, “The nuanced way in which history informs current foreign politics and dynamics might surprise people. I firmly believe that governments would benefit from historical advisors. We can learn quite a bit about how to navigate current conflicts by turning our gazes to the past. To that end, this book is a culmination of my efforts to elucidate how historical understanding is not about the sepia-colored past, but a pivotal and crucial lens through which we view and shape the future of our world.”

A vital resource for educators and students and a fascinating read on its own merits, the book touches on topics that remain as relevant today as they were years ago – from how memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki constrain the Ukraine crisis, to how only one country in Europe came to the defense of Jews during World War II, showing that anyone interested in understanding the complexities of global diplomacy will find a plethora of riches within its pages.

Yoav J. Tenembaum is a lecturer in International Relations at Tel Aviv University, Israel. He obtained his doctorate degree in Modern History at Oxford University and his master’s degree in International Relations at Cambridge University. His previous book, Turning Points in the History of International Relations, 1908-2008, was published in the UK in 2021. His articles have been published in various journals, magazines and newspapers in the UK, US and Israel. Yoav is Argentinean-born and lives in Israel.

Historical Perspective and International Relations is available now from Amazon at www.tinyurl.com/en53b562.