19 June 2001

The University of Dundee is at the centre of plans for a new academic journal expected to have international appeal.

Academics from a range of disciplines, who are pooling their expertise to launch the Journal of Transatlantic Studies, took a significant step towards their goal yesterday when they agreed publication with Edinburgh University Press.

EUP agent Vivian Bone met with University Principal Sir Alan Langlands yesterday (Monday 18/6) to formalise the agreement.

The journal will be launched at a major international conference in Dundee in July 2002.

To be edited by Professor Alan Dobson of the University's Department of Politics, the twice yearly journal will focus primarily on contemporary and post 1945 affairs covering Europe and the Atlantic coast of Africa and their interactions with north, south and central America and the Caribbean.

He said: "This is an exciting development for Dundee where we have a considerable breadth of expertise across relevant disciplines including politics, literature, history and economics. The Atlantic region has been at the heart of so many developments which have impacted on world history and society that it forms a natural focus for research publications. The primary market will clearly be academic but we also expect a considerable number of organisations and think tanks to show interest."

Professor Dobson has published widely in the field of Anglo-American relations and US foreign policy.

The editorial board has a distinguished international membership including, from Dundee, Professor Geoff Ward, English; Dr Tony Parker, history and American studies; Professor Chris Bartlett, history; and Dr Norrie MacQueen, politics.

The launch of the journal is part of a plan to develop Dundee as a centre of excellence for transatlantic studies. A programme diploma for visiting American students was recently introduced and plans for a taught master's degree in transatlantic studies are in development.

Dundee's department of politics is also home to the on-line journal Perspectives on European Politics and Society.

Contact:Professor Alan Dobson 01382 344588
See also www.dundee.ac.uk/politics

Picture caption
Front left to right : Principal Sir Alan Langlands, Vivian Bone, Professor Alan Dobson

Back left to right :
Professor Geoff Ward; Dr Tony Parker, Mr John McCarthy, Dr Norrie MacQueen