The Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR) invites panel proposals as well as proposals for individual papers for its annual conference, June 22_25, 2005, at the University of Maryland and The National Archives at College Park. The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2004.

The theme for the conference is “The Past is Never Far Away” and asks participants to consider ways in which diplomatic history, the history of foreign relations, and international affairs continue to inform our understanding of the present. Specifically, participants are asked to weigh such considerations as: 1) how relevant or irrelevant have scholars become in deliberations over policy making, either as policymakers themselves or commentators in popular fora; 2) how much attention or inattention do scholars receive from the media when diplomatic and international issues become newsworthy; 3) what are instances where a greater appreciation of historical events might have influenced specific policies pursued? Other issues obviously arise. These are provided as a way to begin the conversation on the links between the past and the present. They are not meant to limit the discussion.

Panels and paper proposals are encouraged from all areas of diplomatic history, foreign relations, and international studies. To increase the likelihood of their work being accepted, prospective participants are encouraged to submit complete panels. Panels should follow one of the following formats: 1) three papers, chair, and commentator; 2) four papers, chair, and commentator; or 3) a roundtable with a chair and a number of participants. Considering that all panels will have the same amount of time allotted to them, it is important to remember that the higher the number of presenters, the less time each presenter has.

Electronic submissions are encouraged (as Word or WordPerfect attachments), but paper submissions will be accepted. Panel submissions should total no more than three pages and must have the following information: the name of each panel member as each panelist would like her/his name to appear on the program should the panel be accepted (please check the proper spelling of everyone's name), all participants’ institutional affiliation and status (graduate student, assistant professor, lecturer, etc.), title of paper or position on panel, and contact information, including an e-mail address and phone number. Each panel or roundtable should include a brief rationale, the title of each paper and a short description of the work to be presented, and each panelist should include a brief bio. Please abide by the limit of three pages.

This year SHAFR Council will offer up to $1,500 total in funds to assist graduate students in traveling to the conference. The following stipulations apply: 1) no award will exceed $300 per student; 2) priority will be given to graduate students who receive no or limited funds from their home institutions; and 3) expenses will be reimbursed by the SHAFR Business Office upon submission of receipts. The program committee will make the decision regarding all awards.

Graduate students seeking funds will have the opportunity to indicate as much on the registration form and will need to provide a letter from their advisor that departmental funds were not available for travel to the conference.

If you have questions about submitting a panel or a paper, or would like some assistance in finding participants for a panel, please feel to contact the members of the program committee.

2005 SHAFR Program Committee

Christopher Jespersen, North Georgia College & State University, tcjespersen@ngcsu.edu
Frank Costigliola, University of Connecticut, costig@uconnvm.uconn.edu
George White, Jr., University of Tennessee Knoxville, jwhite16@utk.edu
Christopher Fisher, The College of New Jersey, fisherc@tcnj.edu
Sally Kuisel, National Archives and Records Administration, Sally.Kuisel@nara.gov

Please submit all proposals to: