How to Be Diplomatic Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of nationalism in Europe in the 19th century was a major cause for the outbreak of World War I. As nations became increasingly independent and sought to gain power, they began to form alliances with each other and created a complex political web that ultimately led to a great conflict. As nationalism increased, militarism and imperialism also increased, with countries competing to acquire colonies and acquire more power. In addition, the arms race and militarization of the continent, fueled by the need to protect national interests, made war increasingly likely. Eventually, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Serbia in 1914 drew the nations into open conflict, and World War I began.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in history or a related field. Diplomatic Historians often have a background in history or political science. A degree program in these fields will provide students with the necessary skills to pursue a career in Diplomatic History.
Take courses specific to Diplomatic History. To specialize in this field, students should take courses that cover the history of diplomacy and international relations. These courses may include international law, foreign policy, and the history of international relations.
Pursue a master's degree in history or a related field. A masters degree will provide students with the advanced knowledge and research skills necessary to become a Diplomatic Historian.
Participate in an internship or research opportunity. Internships and research opportunities provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in the field and can also lead to potential job opportunities after graduation.
Consider earning a Ph. D. in history or a related field. A Ph. D. is not required for all Diplomatic Historian positions, but it may be beneficial for those who are seeking advanced positions in the field.
Gain experience by working as a Diplomatic Historian or teaching at a college or university. Working as a Diplomatic Historian may involve researching and writing about the history of diplomacy and international relations or working with government agencies to provide historical analysis and advice. Teaching at a college or university is another way to gain experience in this field.

The cause and effect of the diplomatic historian is a complex one. The diplomatic historian is able to interpret and analyze international relations, document the past, and identify trends and developments that impact current and future events. They are skilled in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting primary sources and archival documents as well as secondary sources such as newspapers, periodicals, and memoirs.

They must also have knowledge of international law, international organizations, foreign languages, politics, and economics. Furthermore, they must be capable of recognizing patterns and predicting future events based on current circumstances. As a result of their expertise, diplomatic historians are able to provide valuable insight into international relations and advise governments on how to navigate an ever-changing world.

You may want to check Forensic Historian, Archaeological Historian, and Gender Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Research Assistant
Museum Curator
Museum Educator
Archivist
Documentary Maker
Academic Writer
Political Analyst
Public Historian
Cultural Heritage Manager
Historic Preservation Officer

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in international relations and diplomacy
Knowledge of historical events and diplomatic developments
Ability to interpret and analyze documents, records, and texts
Proficiency in research techniques and methodologies
Familiarity with the use of archives and other primary sources
Facility in one or more foreign languages
Ability to identify and evaluate new sources of information
Ability to conduct oral history interviews
Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills
Ability to work independently and in teams

Diplomatic history is a field of study that requires a deep understanding of the past, present, and future. It is essential for a diplomatic historian to have a broad knowledge of geopolitical trends, international relations, and the motivations of nations and their leaders. The ability to analyze complex historical events is also key to successful diplomatic history.

Furthermore, the capacity to interpret primary sources and draw meaningful conclusions from them is essential in order to uncover the deeper meaning of a particular event. Finally, the ability to communicate effectively with the public is necessary to ensure that the study of diplomatic history is accessible and can be used to inform policy decisions. Diplomatic history is a powerful tool for understanding global politics and can often provide clues to the future direction of international relations.

Genealogical Researcher, Historian Archivist, and Historical Interpreter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in diplomatic history?
How have your prior experiences prepared you to work as a diplomatic historian?
What do you think are the most important historical events that have shaped modern diplomacy?
Can you provide examples of how diplomatic history has impacted current foreign policy decisions?
What are the challenges involved in researching and writing about diplomatic history?
How do you stay up-to-date on current international affairs?
What do you consider to be the most influential documents in diplomatic history?
Are there any particular periods or countries that you are especially interested in studying?
How have your research and writing skills helped you to analyze diplomatic documents?
How would you describe your approach to teaching and interpreting diplomatic history?

Common Tools in Industry

Document Management System. A system for managing electronic and physical documents such as letters, reports, notes, and publications. (eg: Microsoft Sharepoint)
Online Research Tools. Software and applications that enable researchers to access and analyze data from multiple sources. (eg: LexisNexis)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A collection of computer hardware and software used to capture, store, analyze and present geographic data. (eg: ArcGIS)
Historical Databases. Online databases that provide access to historical documents, images, maps and other materials. (eg: History Vault)
Text Analysis Tools. Software that enables users to search, analyze and visualize text-based data. (eg: Voyant Tools)
Statistical Software. Programs designed to analyze datasets and generate visualizations such as graphs and charts. (eg: SPSS)
Digital Humanities Software. Software designed to facilitate the research and analysis of humanities data. (eg: Omeka)
Archive Management Software. Programs designed to manage and store digital archives. (eg: Preservica)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Historical Association
European Historical Association
World History Association
Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations
International Society for Military History
American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies
International Institute of Social History
International Commission for the History of Representative and Parliamentary Institutions
Society for Military History in Japan
International Congress of Historical Sciences

We also have Legal Historian, Ethnographic Historian, and Military Historian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Diplomacy. Diplomacy is the practice of conducting negotiations and other activities between countries or representatives of different nations.
International Relations. International relations are the interactions between countries and other international actors, such as international organizations, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and individuals.
Foreign Policy. Foreign policy is a set of government strategies and principles concerning foreign affairs and the interaction of states with each other and with other international actors.
Treaty. A treaty is an agreement between two or more countries or international organizations that is legally binding.
Balance of Power. Balance of power is a concept in international relations in which power is distributed evenly among countries, preventing any one country from dominating the international system.
Realism. Realism is an approach to international relations that emphasizes the importance of self-interest and power in international affairs.
Idealism. Idealism is an approach to international relations that stresses the importance of cooperation, morality, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
International Law. International law is a body of rules and principles governing relations between countries and other international actors.
Globalization. Globalization is the process by which the world becomes increasingly interconnected and interdependent.
Cold War. The Cold War was a period of intense geopolitical rivalry and ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1945 to 1989.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Diplomatic Historian?

A Diplomatic Historian is a professional who studies international relations and the history of diplomacy between nations. They analyze and interpret documents and other sources to gain insight into the past, present, and future of diplomatic relations between countries.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Diplomatic Historian?

To become a Diplomatic Historian, individuals must typically hold a bachelor's degree in history or a related field, such as political science. Additionally, many employers prefer those with advanced degrees, such as a master's degree or PhD in history or international relations.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Diplomatic Historian?

The primary responsibilities of a Diplomatic Historian include researching, analyzing, and interpreting historical documents and other sources related to international relations and diplomacy. They must also be able to effectively communicate their findings to audiences both inside and outside of their field.

What kind of organizations typically employ Diplomatic Historians?

Diplomatic Historians are typically employed by universities, research organizations, think tanks, museums, and other institutions concerned with international relations and diplomacy.

What are some key terms related to the field of Diplomatic History?

Key terms related to the field of Diplomatic History include international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, statecraft, treaties, alliances, and diplomatic correspondence.