New IHOPE Publication – Past Answers to Present Concerns

WIREs has published a new article with IHOPE SSC member Tom McGovern as a co-author. The article “Past Answers to Present Concerns. The Relevance of the Premodern Past for 21st Century Policy Planners: Comments on the State of the Field” follows difficulties that arise when attempting to use history to influence policy.

The article explores how history is used to address contemporary challenges like climate change. Governments have long relied on historical insights for decision-making, but applying “lessons from the past” to complex modern issues, especially climate-related ones, is difficult due to the complexity and interpretive nature of historical causality. Moreover, policymakers often selectively use history to support pre-existing views. The article reviews these challenges and suggests ways historians can engage with environmental and sustainability issues more effectively.

The full article is available open access and can be read here: