David Spreen

David Spreen is an Assistant Professor of History at Harvard University with faculty appointments at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and as resident faculty at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies. His research centers on modern German history through the lens of decolonization, the global Cold War, and postcolonial social transformations.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in History, University of Michigan (2019)

Spreen's scholarship examines transnational entanglements between decolonization movements and radical protest in divided Germany, particularly focusing on how Maoism became a multi-ethnic phenomenon involving activists from Iran, Palestine, Turkey, and Southern Africa. His book project "Dear Comrade Mugabe: Decolonization and Radical Protest in Divided Germany, 1960-1980" reveals how archival constructions have systematically obscured these global connections across East/West and North/South divides. His work bridges German history with global decolonization narratives through meticulous cross-border analysis.

His scientific awards include:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Berlin Program for Advanced German and European Studies
• Fellowship, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Spreen actively mentors students specializing in German/European history, decolonization studies, global Cold War dynamics, political violence, and leftist movements. His research has secured competitive funding from the Berlin Program, DAAD, Central European History Society, Rackham School of Graduate Studies, University of Michigan's International Institute, and Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia. He maintains active scholarly engagement through institutional centers while developing transnational methodological approaches.

His institutional affiliations with the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies and Weatherhead Center for International Affairs provide critical infrastructure for his comparative research on global historical connections beyond conventional national frameworks.