Baker Peace Conference panel in profile
Contemporary History Institute

Contemporary History Institute

Contemporary history students and faculty explore the historical impact of recent world events on today's contemporary landscape. They seek interdisciplinary perspectives about the period in world affairs from World War II to the present.

To broaden the conversation about contemporary history with colleagues and the community, the institute hosts eminent speakers throughout the academic year plus the annual Baker Peace Conference each spring.

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Contemporary History Institute events are free open to the campus and community.

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2026 Baker Peace Conference

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Keynote Address: The State of American Power with Brigadier General Mark Arnold

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Recent Events

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A Thousand New Beginnings: Germans and Their Democracy Since the 1980s

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Latest News

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Contemporary History Institute
Brigadier General Mark Arnold

OHIO community invited to hear from national experts at April 16-17 Baker Peace Conference

April 07, 2026

Ohio University’s Contemporary History Institute will host the 2026 Baker Peace Conference, themed “The State of American Power,” on April 16–17.
Kevin Mattson

Kevin Mattson named Ohio University Distinguished Professor

May 09, 2025

Ohio University proudly announced Kevin Mattson Ph.D. as the 2025 recipient of its highest faculty honor—the Distinguished Professor Award—during the spring graduate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 2.
The 2025 Baker Peace and Klinder award winners

Ohio University history Ph.D. candidates named Klinder, Baker Peace fellows

April 21, 2025

Four history department graduate students are the 2025–26 recipients of the Contemporary History Institute's Klinder Fellowships and the Baker Peace Fellowships.