Are there lessons to be drawn from the "lessons of history"?

In: International journal / Canadian International Council: Canada's journal of global policy analysis, Band 66, Heft 4, S. 1019-1029

Abstract

Adam Chapnick, the editor of the International Journal's excellent series on the "lessons of history," is a respected historian, but of the authors recruited to study what lessons history provides, only one dwells professionally in a department of history (Andrew Preston at Oxford). Three others have doctorates in history but one teaches international studies (David Webster) while John Hilliker is a retired official historian and Chris Pennington is an editor at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. The remainder -- David Bosco, Margaret Doxey, Barbara Falk, Joseph Jockei, Carol Lancaster, Chris Sands, and Chris Spearin -- have degrees in political science, law, or international relations/studies. While this group has made significant contributions to historical scholarship and their essays reflect their solid understanding of historical scholarship, their professional careers have reflected their training in political science, economics, or international relations. The essayists vary considerably in their willingness to find lessons in history. Adapted from the source document.